Xavi’s Retirement Dreams Include Coaching Barcelona, Learning English

Xavi is looking beyond the horizon as he nears the end of the road.

Xavi outlined his retirement plans Wednesday in an interview with Barcelona-area television station TV3. The 34-year-old midfielder wants to coach at FC Barcelona and learn the king’s English after he stops playing professional soccer.

“I don’t have much time left to play, I am 34 and will turn 35 in January,” Xavi said, according to Sky Sports. “I want to enjoy this stage and get as much from it, everyone tells me that it’s the best one.

“After retiring, I would like to coach and learn English. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I would like to be remain in football, and of course, with Barcelona.”

Xavi was Barcelona’s midfield general for the better part of the last 15 years, but first-year head coach Luis Enrique has downgraded his role to that of a squad player this season. Xavi has started just four of the eight games he has played in 2014-15 and scored one goal this term.

Howver, Xavi doesn’t regret choosing to remain with Barcelona last summer amid interest from clubs in Qatar and Major League Soccer. Xavi ultimately could see out his current contract, which expires in 2016.

“We thought that perhaps it was the best time to leave the club, but in the end, the heart takes over,” Xavi said.

When Xavi decides to retire, he’ll join the pantheon of the sport’s all-time greats. He has won an astonishing 22 major trophies with Barcelona, since making his debut with his hometown club in 1998. He also played 133 games for Spain’s national team (between 2000 and 2014), leading it to victory at the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Xavi will pass from one phase of his life to the next in the coming years. It’s safe to say he’ll hit his target. Xavi always does.

Thumbnail photo by Twitter/@CentreTransfer