Report: Xavi Reveals Retirement Plans, Eyes Career in Management
Xavi has revealed that he plans to retire from professional football at the end of the season due to his body "rebelling" against the exertions he's put it through.
The Barcelona legend told Sport that he would look to bring the curtain down on his superb career once his current club -Qatari outfit Al Sadd - finish their Stars League campaign.
Xavi, who has featured in almost 800 club matches for Barca and Al Sadd, admitted that games were now taking their toll on his 37-year-old body, and that he hoped to start his coaching badges as soon as he ends his illustrious career on the pitch.
He said: "I've had luck not to be injured and I think my career has come towards its end.
"There's been a descent. Qatar allowed me this. Now I see myself being more tired, it's harder to recover, it will surely be my last year of being a footballer.
"I have the idea of getting my coaching licence next year and being a coach."
Xavi made 745 appearances for La Blaugrana before he opted to end his loving relationship with the Catalan giants in 2015. Widely considered to be one of the most talented Spanish footballers of all time, the 133-times capped international has won a wide array of trophies throughout his glittering career.
Xavi has lifted a World Cup, eight La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies and two European Championships among a 29-cup haul during his playing career and, with his contract with Al Sadd due to end in June 2018, will surely hang up his boots for the final time next summer.
The playmaker has made no secret of his desire to one day return to Nou Camp and manager Barcelona either, with quotes atributed to Xavi in July hinting as much.
He said at the time: "I don't want to hide the fact that sooner or later I want to be manager of Barcelona. But first I have to learn and that's not a one month, two month or three month process but takes years."
