DOHA: Legendary former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez has upset his own plans to retire and announced he will extend his career until at least the end of this year, he said on Sunday.
Widely expected to end his illustrious playing career at the end of this season, the World Cup champion and four-times Champions League winner told AFP he feels fit enough to continue playing a little longer.
“I have decided to continue at least six months more,” said the 38-year-old, who now plays for Qatari club Al-Sadd..
Asked why he was playing on, he replied: “Because it depends on my physical condition. Maybe in December I decide to continue.”
The decision is unexpected as Xavi had signalled that the current season would be his last before he focuses on earning his coaching badges.
Xavi, who won 133 caps for Spain, had been expected to take the reins at Al Sadd from next season and has been tipped to be the Qatar coach in 2022 when the Gulf state hosts the World Cup.
He made his debut for Barcelona back in 1998, and went on to make more than 500 appearances for the Catalan giants, winning eight La Liga titles.
Although the league season has ended in Qatar — Al Sadd finished runners-up — Xavi is still involved in two cup competitions.
On Monday, Al-Sadd play in Doha against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the first leg of the AFC Champions League last 16.
Later this week, Al Sadd will also play in the semifinal of Qatar’s biggest domestic cup competition, the Emir Cup.
Spanish great Xavi to play on until at least end of year
Spanish great Xavi to play on until at least end of year
- Midfield maestro plans to extend his glittering playing career
- He's preparing to face Saudi club Al-Ahli this week
Morocco Coach Dismisses Aguerd injury talk, backs Ait Boudlal ahead of Mali test
- “Who told you Aguerd is injured? He’s training as usual and has no problems,” Regragui told reporters
- He confirmed captain Romain Saiss will miss the game with a muscle injury
RABAT: Morocco coach Walid Regragui has dismissed reports that defender Nayef Aguerd is injured, saying the center back was fit and ready for Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash against Mali.
“Who told you Aguerd is injured? He’s training as usual and has no problems,” Regragui told reporters.
Regragui confirmed captain Romain Saiss will miss the game with a muscle injury sustained against Comoros in their tournament opener, while full back Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned African Player of the Year, is recovering from an ankle problem sustained with Paris St. Germain last month and could feature briefly. “Hakimi is doing well and we’ll make the best decision for him,” Regragui said. The coach also heaped praise on 19-year-old defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, calling him “a great talent.”
“I’ve been following him for years. I called him up a year and a half ago when he was a substitute at Rennes and people criticized me. Today everyone is praising him – that shows our vision is long-term,” Regragui said. “We must not burn the player. We’ll use him at the right time. We’ll see if he starts tomorrow or comes in later.”
Ait Boudlal echoed his coach’s confidence.
“We know the responsibility we carry. Every game is tough and requires full concentration. We listen carefully to the coach’s instructions and aim to deliver a performance that meets fans’ expectations,” he said.
Morocco opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Comoros and will secure qualification with victory over Mali at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
“It will be a tough match against a strong team,” Regragui added.
