Barcelona legend Xavi retires from football after a stunning career

Barcelona legend Xavi has announced he will retire from football at the end of the season after a stunning career.

The 39-year-old currently plays for Al Sadd in Qatar but spent the majority of his career with Barcelona.

One of the world’s best midfielders, Xavi won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns at the Spanish giants before leaving for the Middle East in 2015.

Xavi won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his spell at Barcelona

Xavi, who is often heralded as a future Barcelona manager, revealed he will now pursue a career as a coach. 

‘This is my last season as a player, but I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach,’ he said in a statement.

‘My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona.

‘I love seeing the teams take the initiative on the field, play attacking football and return to the essence of what we all loved since our childhood days: football possession.’

The midfield maestro remains Barcelona’s all-time record appearance-holder with 769

Xavi was key to Spain’s World Cup win in 2010 and won the European Championships twice

Xavi is still Barcelona’s all-time record appearance-holder across all competitions with 769.

The former captain joined the club’s famed La Masia academy at the age of 11 and went on to become a crucial component of the first team. He scored 85 goals and contributed 182 assists during his time at the Nou Camp.

At international level, Xavi was also key to Spain’s World Cup triumph in 2010 and won the European Championships in both 2008 and 2012.