Barcelona legend Xavi announces retirement

Barcelona legend Xavi [Courtesy]

Barcelona icon Xavi has announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.

The World Cup winner is currently playing for Al Sadd, having arrived at the Qatari club from the Spanish giants in 2015.

But the Spanish midfield maestro, who turned 39 last January, has decided to call it quits and focus on a coaching career instead.

Xavi said: "During the next four weeks, I will tie my boots to play the last matches of an unforgettable race that has lasted for 21 years and has taken me all over the world.

"It has been a privilege to play football until I was 39 years old.

"This is my last season as a player, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach.

Xavi has announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the campaign [Courtesy]

"My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona.

"I love seeing the teams take the initiative on the field, play attacking football and return to the essence of what we all loved since our childhood days: football possession."

Xavi enjoyed a glittering, trophy-laden spell with Barcelona after making his senior debut back in 1998.

He went on to win eight La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and three Cop del Rey trophies during his spell with the Nou Camp giants.

The midfielder went on to captain his beloved club, before parting ways four years ago to make the switch to Al Sadd.

Xavi also won 133 caps for Spain, helping his country win the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back European Championship crowns in 2008 and 2012.