‘Thank you for everything you’ve taught the world of football’: Players past and present hail Xavi after legendary midfielder announces plans to retire at the end of the season
- Xavi currently plays for Al Sadd in Qatar but spent most of his time at Barcelona
- The 39-year-old won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns
- Andres Iniesta, who played with Xavi for Barcelona and Spain, paid tribute
Players past and present have come together to pay tribute to Xavi after the former Barcelona midfielder announced he would retire at the end of the season.
The 39-year-old currently plays for Al Sadd in Qatar but spent the majority of his career with the Catalan giants.
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.
Players past and present have come together to pay tribute to Xavi who is set to retire
Andres Iniesta, who played with Xavi for Barcelona and Spain, said: ‘The best partner. A privilege to grow and share by my side all my career and the best moments.
‘An example of a professional. Thanks for everything taught to the world of football. The best of luck in this new stage, Xavi!’
Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Fernando Torres was one of Xavi’s Spain colleagues and he also paid tribute as he said: ‘There will never be another like you Xavi.
‘It has been a huge privilege to play and win by your side. Enjoy what’s left of the season and my best wishes for what’s coming. Thank you for everything you have given to football.’
Barcelona’s official Twitter account posed a photo of Xavi with his enormous trophy collection saying: ‘Barca history. Football legend.’
Barecelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: ‘Xavi, congratulations on such an exemplary football career.
‘You are one of the best we ever had. You know that the doors of La Masia are always open to you so we can continue to grow together.’
Xavi currently plays for Al Sadd in Qatar but spent the majority of his career at Barcelona
