Xavi Hernandez - a legend of world football, a Spanish player who became one of the most influential and technically gifted players of his generation. He was born on January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Spain, and displayed his football talent from a young age. Xavi became renowned for his outstanding passing skills and ball control. He possessed a unique ability to control the game on the field, distribute passes, and create attacks for his team.
He began his professional career in 1998, joining the youth team of Barcelona. Over time, he became an integral part of Barcelona's main squad and a product of the legendary La Masia academy. He spent 17 years at FC Barcelona, eventually becoming its captain and one of the main inspirations behind the "tiki-taka" style of play.
Xavi helped Barcelona win numerous domestic and international trophies, including 8 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League titles. He became the heart and soul of the team, and his on-field leadership was invaluable to Barcelona's success during that period. Xavi is also a key figure for the Spanish national team. With the national squad, he won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
His intellectual approach to the game and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him an irreplaceable player for the national team. After leaving Barcelona in 2015, Xavi moved to Qatari club Al-Sadd, where he continued to showcase his skills and leadership. He helped the team win several national titles and became a symbol of football development in Qatar.
In addition to his playing career, Xavi has shown an interest in coaching. He has completed coaching courses and expressed a desire to one day manage his former team, Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez is not only a player of exceptional class but also a symbol of virtuosity, game reading ability, and leadership on the field. His style and contribution to world football will be remembered by generations of fans.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said on Monday his team's Champions League quarterfinal second leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain would be similar to the first leg thriller.
The five-time champions edged Luis Enrique's PSG side 3-2 in a Paris blockbuster last week and are aiming to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2019.
Xavi said the second leg at Barcelona's temporary Olympic Stadium home on the city's Montjuic hill would produce more of the same spectacle.
"We're not a team that will sit on our lead, we want to take the ball off PSG and win the game," Xavi told a news conference.
"I hope we are at our best, they will test us to the limit – I see a game very similar to the first leg.
"It's the Champions League, it's Paris, and a game in which no one will be holding back."
Xavi said PSG's coach Luis Enrique, who was on the Barcelona bench the last time the Catalans won the Champions League in 2015, would send his team out to harry the hosts.
"Montjuic's (atmosphere) has to seem like the big nights at Camp Nou," continued Xavi.
"Luis Enrique will not hold back, he will come here to press – we have to show a lot of personality to reach the semifinals."
Xavi, who announced in January he was leaving at the end of the season, has led a resurgent Barcelona on a 12-game unbeaten run since.
"Me and my players, everyone has been liberated (by my decision)," said the coach.
"Everyone has felt more of a sense of belonging towards the club, and I think it has gone phenomenally."
'PLAYING TO WIN'
Barcelona midfielder Pedri agreed that his team would have to play to win, and not try only to hold on to their one-goal headstart.
"We have this slender lead but we have to go out there as if we didn't have that advantage," said Pedri.
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