Xavi Hernandez is another as one of the greatest ever players for Barcelona in the last couple of decades.
In fact, he would be one of the best players in the history of the club. Such is the contribution of the 35-year-old not just to the trophies won but also for the style of football. It was under the presence of Xavi at his peak when Guardiola brought back the passing style of football at the club to immense success. However, Xavi choose not to retire at the Camp Nou since he was in increasingly forced away from the first team.
Manager Luis Enrique decided to opt for the future and it meant that the 35-year-old Xavi was not a regular first choice. He has joined Middle East for the last couple of years of his career. Newly crowned Barcelona presidentJosep Maria Bartomeu says that the legendary midfielder is more likely to return to the Camp Nou once he hangs up his boots. Barcelona will want to continue the tradition of promoting from within. After having come through the ranks at the club, the ultimate progression for Xavi will be to coach the team at some point in the future. It has been the way with the likes of Guardiola and Enrique.
“Xavi left this summer and deserved the goodbye he was given. But he will return home. He hasn’t finished his Barca career and has a lot more to contribute,” saidBartomeu. During his time at Barcelona, Xavi won a whole host of trophies including four Champions League titles. There are also an incredible eight la Liga titles in his trophy collection. He has been succeeded by Andres Iniesta, who has been handed the captaincy for the upcoming campaign. Xavi is expected to retire in the next couple of years.