Xavi Hernandez has played more than 750 games for his club, more than any player in Barcelona history. He is the greatest footballer to come out of Spain, with 133 Spain appearances and every medal in football. He also is 35 and unlikely to be at Camp Nou next season.
His peerless vision is still there, the type about which teammate Dani Alves said: “We all live in the present but Xavi actually lives in the future. That’s how he sees things the way he does. I’ve always believed that football is for the little smart guys like me and Pedro, Xavi and Iniesta.”
Xavi’s problem is that Father Time is catching up with his body and fans are talking about a future without a man who many see as a future Barcelona manager.
The signs were there at the start of this season when a journalist close to Xavi reported a conversation the player had with Luis Enrique, in which the Barca coach said: “You are welcome to be part of this. I see your importance, but if you stay then don’t complain to me if you’re not playing as much as you’d like to.”
Though he is on target to play more than 35 games for his club this season, Xavi has become more of a peripheral figure. He has a contract worth €9.6 million a year through 2015/16 and will play more football if he moves.
Xavi was in Qatar at the weekend and toured the facilities at Al Sadd club, where he is expected to play. He also is interested in playing in the United States or China. Best offer wins.
“I’ll play until the legs tell me to stop, but my game does not depend on speed like others,” he said.
Xavi, the consummate professional and one of football’s great thinkers off the field, is still good enough to stand out in a lesser league and would depart with Barca’s blessing.
“Xavi has earned the right to decide his future,” club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said.
He has been at Barca since he was 11, longer than any other player at the club. He will have a great send-off when he departs.
sports@thenational.ae
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE
Dr Graham's three goals
Short term
Establish logistics and systems needed to globally deploy vaccines
Intermediate term
Build biomedical workforces in low- and middle-income nations
Long term
A prototype pathogen approach for pandemic preparedness
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
More on animal trafficking
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The Little Things
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto
Four stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
