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 manager Xavi Hernandez says his side are the underdogs for their Champions League quarter-final tie with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalan giants were drawn against the 2020 runners-up in Friday's draw, which also sees Real Madrid take on Manchester City, Arsenal clash with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund tackle Atletico Madrid — the conquerers of last year's runners-up Inter.
Xavi's side will head to Paris for the first leg of the quarter-final clash on April 10, before heading back to Barcelona's temporary Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys home six days later.
The two do have previous in European competition, famously clashing at the round of 16 stage during 2016/17 when Barcelona recovered from a 4-0 first leg defeat in the French capital to win the return game 6-1 at Camp Nou — a win earned by two late Neymar goals and Sergi Roberto's winner.
Things have changed since then though, prompting departing Barcelona boss Xavi to declare PSG favourites for their upcoming encounter.
«It's really difficult. [PSG] are one of the most difficult opponents we could have faced,» Xavi told reporters in Spain ahead of Sunday's clash with Atletico. «But we're excited. We have the return leg at home. It's time to dream, and show that we can compete.
»Perhaps I'd say PSG are favourites. History aside, because we've won more Champions Leagues, financially right now it's not the same, with what they've spent and what we've spent. But you have to perform on the pitch."
Barcelona overcame Napoli over two legs to reach the last eight of the competition, building on a 1-1 draw from the first leg in Italy to win 3-1 at home thanks to goals from Fermin Lopez, Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski.
As for PSG, they cruised past Real Sociedad
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