As if Xabi Alonso, Philipp Lahm, Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo all announcing their retirements wasn’t enough for 2017, Spanish legend Xavi has also confirmed that he will retire at the end of the current season as he focuses on a new career in coaching.
The 37-year-old spent the majority of his career stockpiling trophies with Barcelona, winning eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, three Copa Del Reys and two FIFA Club World Cups on top of the two European Championships and a World Cup that he won at international level with Spain.
Regarded as one of, if not the finest midfielder of his generation and one of the greatest of all time, Xavi will now focus on a coaching career, with the former Barcelona captain aiming to manage the Qatar national team for the 2022 World Cup, which will be held in the Arab nation in five years time.
SportBible.com
