Xavi has revealed he received an approach from Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother to join Manchester United but says it was ‘impossible’ for him to leave Barcelona.
World Cup winner Xavi established himself as one of the best players in Barcelona’s history during a 17-year spell at the Nou Camp in which he won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
Despite his affinity with Barca, Xavi was linked with a move to Manchester United during his sensational career and says he was approached by Alex Ferguson’s brother to join the Premier League giants.
‘Manchester United approached me once through Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother, but my answer was very quick,’ Xavi told The Times.
‘I was focused on Barca, my priority was only Barca. I am a fan from the very inside of myself and that’s why was impossible for me to leave.
‘Now I see it differently. Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in. First of all, for the passion with how they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums.
‘So why not? I could see myself [managing] in England, definitely, it’s one of the things I’d like to experience in my career.’
Xavi saw his former teammate and great friend Lionel Messi leave Barcelona this week due to ‘financial and structural obstacles’.
The 41-year-old was in fact one of the special attendees for Messi’s Barcelona farewell press conference and said: ‘I’m just so sad for Leo.
‘It’s a pity to see him and the club couldn’t find a solution. I know that Leo wanted to stay, but in the end it could not be sorted.
‘The only thing I can say now is that I will miss him a lot. It’s even hard for me to picture Messi with a shirt other than Barca’s.
‘It’s sad for Leo, especially for how I saw him emotionally at the Camp Nou the other day, but for FC Barcelona as well.’
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