Al Sadd's Santi Cazorla greets Xavi during a farewell event at Al Sadd Club yesterday.
Doha: Spanish legend Xavi Hernandez will return to Barcelona after a trophy-laden career with Al Sadd.
Xavi coached Al Sadd in 95 matches, winning 64, drawing 15 and 16 losses.
The Barca legend led Al Sadd to the 2020-2021 QNB Stars League title, 2020 and 2021 Amir Cup titles, the 2020-2021 Qatar Cup title, and the 2019 Qatar Super Cup.
CEO of Al Sadd SC Turki Al Ali yesterday said that the club’s management has agreed to the transfer of head coach Xavi Hernandez to Barcelona, after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract.
Speaking to the club’s website, Al Ali said, “Xavi is an important part of Al Sadd’s history, and we wish him success in the next stage of his career.”
According to international media, Xavi is set to replace caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan who was appointed after the club sacked Ronald Koeman following a 1-0 league defeat at Rayo Vallecano last month, their fourth loss in six games in all competitions.
Barjuan is expected to return to coaching the reserve team.
“Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way.”
“Xavi and his family will remain welcome in Doha, and our relationship will continue,” Al Ali said.
The 41-year-old Xavi left Barcelona in 2015 after helping the club win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues in 17 seasons.
He was also key to Spain’s streak of titles when it won the 2010 World Cup and European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Xavi's remarkable passing and ability to maintain the ball under pressure made him critical to leading both Barcelona and Spain’s national team to their most successful eras.
