Xavi: I had a big offer from Barcelona but it wasn't the right moment
Posted Tuesday, May 05, 2020 by Marca.com
Xavi has explained why he turned down an offer from Barcelona in January.
The former Blaugrana midfielder was approached about replacing Ernesto Valverde at the Camp Nou but preferred to stay in Qatar with Al Sadd.
"In January, it wasn't the right moment," Xavi told Samuel Eto'o on the newly launched Spanish Instagram account of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (@roadto2022es) where they were talking about their roles as Supreme Committee ambassadors.
"I had conversations with [Eric] Abidal and [Oscar] Grau and a big offer, but it wasn't the right moment.
"I need a bit more experience.
"Coaching Barcelona is my dream.
"I'd like to do it one day. I've said that many times."
Xavi, who played under Pep Guardiola at the Camp Nou, knows exactly how his Barcelona team would play if he was in charge.
"I like Barcelona, I like [Quique] Setien's idea," he said.
"I've always liked Guardiola's teams - teams that don't mess about, that attack.
"They are the teams I like watching most."
Eto'o also asked his former teammate about Lionel Messi, whose contract at Barcelona expires next summer.
"He's still got five or seven very good years left in him," Xavi said about the Argentine.
"He takes good care of himself and he can keep playing until he's 37, 38 or 39.
"He'll play at the Qatar World Cup, I'm sure."
As well as Messi, Xavi played alongside another magical forward during his time at Barcelona - Neymar.
"Footballing wise, he's in the top three or five players in the world, no doubt.
"He can make the difference.
"Let's hope he returns to Barcelona.
"I'm a Barcelona fan and I want the best players there.
"I've shared a team with him and he's a positive guy.
"He'd add a lot to Barcelona.
"He'd be an extraordinary signing that makes the difference."
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