Xavi Hernandez has revealed that he almost joined Bayern Munich in 2008, but Pep Guardiola persuaded him to stay at Barcelona.
After a stunning Euro 2008 where he was named Player of the Tournament, the midfielder has claimed that the Bundesliga giants came calling.
“That was pretty serious,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “There was even a meeting with the Coach and [FIFA agent] Branchini.
“Pep just grabbed me after that and told me not to go, that in his mind the team revolved around certain players, and I was one of them.
“He told me that I couldn’t leave the club.
“And he was right. It was another good decision, because my ambition is to retire at Barca.
“Now Pep is at Bayern – the twists and turns of football. It’s unbelievable.”
The World Cup-winner then commented on his future, remarking on a possible move to New York.
“No one has offered me anything. I know nothing about New York. [Thierry] Henry hasn’t spoken to me – I don’t even have his phone number.”
