Xavi Hernandez has revealed that if it was up to him he would stay with Barcelona for the rest of his career.
The midfielder has been a peripheral figure in Luis Enrique’s plans this season, after it looked as though he would be departing the Camp Nou over the summer.
Nonetheless, the 34-year-old is realistic over his chances of remaining at the club where he has spent his entire professional career.
“If it was up to me I’d never leave Barcelona but these things are decided by circumstances,” admitted Xavi in an exclusive interview to be broadcast by Canal + on Thursday.
“I’ve had chances to leave several times but my feelings [for the club] always mind up my mind.
“I told them I didn’t want to play for another club against Barcelona and would like to end my career here.”
Xavi was asked to give his opinion on Lionel Messi and midfield partner Andres Iniesta.
“For me Messi is already the best player in history. As far as I’m concerned there is nobody to compare to him and he is the best in the world by a distance,” he asserted.
“Iniesta is the most naturally talented Spanish footballer ever. All the ideas we worked on over the years you can understand just by watching him play.”
The Barca captain went on to give his thoughts on his former coaches Luis Aragones and Tito Vilanova.
“Luis was the most influential person on my career. I don’t want to be unkind by putting him above everybody else, yet it I don’t than that would be unfair on him.
“Tito was an extraordinary man, a kind and intimate person, a winner and a football person. He genuinely left his mark on people.”
Finally, he described his own football philosophy on the way the game should be played.
“For me playing football means being a central figure, having control of the ball. The whole point is that fans should have a good time watching their team,” he declared.
