Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi ready to hang up his boots

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi has announced he will retire at the end of the season to pursue a career in coaching. The 39-year-old, who lifted eight LaLiga titles, three Copa del Reys and four Champions League trophies during his time with Barca, has spent the last four years playing in Qatar with Al Sadd. Having won the league with Al Sadd this season, the 2010 World Cup winner feels now is the right time to move on to the next stage of his career. Història del Barça.Llegenda del futbol pic.twitter.com/gcxfT3m5Pa — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) May 2, 2019 In a letter published by Spanish newspaper AS, Xavi said: “It has been a privilege to play football until I was 39 years old and now I would like to finish the season at the top by winning the Emir Cup and reaching the next phase in the Asian Champions League. “This is my last season as a player, but I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach. “What I have achieved in the last two decades has been a privilege and, therefore, I believe it is my duty to take the initiative of the field and return through football whenever possible.” Xavi, who also won two European Championships with Spain, said he plans to continue his work with Generation Amazing, a Qatari project which “uses football to develop and inspire young people.” Topics Xavi Steven Gerrard expecting even more from Steven Davis next season Spurs say Vertonghen did not suffer a concussion against Ajax Getafe defender Djene on Arsenal’s radar – report Bamford handed two-match ban for deceiving referee Benalouane available as Forest end season against Bolton 4 big reasons why Barcelona should be fearful of Liverpool – and how the Reds plan to stop Lionel Messi Quiz! Can you name all 30 Champions League semi-finalists since 1994? The 15 best free-kicks of all time: where does Messi rank? Pontus Jansson: “I had an offer to leave Leeds last summer – but I didn’t want people to remember me for negative things” 8 Championship players who should be in the Premier League next season