Barcelona legend Xavi claims new side Al Sadd have ‘similiar philosophy’ to La Liga giants
FORMER Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, who joined Qatari-outfit Al Sadd in May last year, has remarkably likened the club's philosophy to that of the La Liga giants.
The 36-year-old Spanish midfielder has taken stick for making the switch to the Middle East but defended his decision as 'one of the best of his life'.
Speaking to SunSport Xavi said: "I'm adjusting to life in Qatar really well. I’m very happy and enjoying life here. It is a peaceful lifestyle. People are very respectful and in general it is a very relaxed environment.
"I’m enjoying playing football with my team Al Sadd. They have a strong footballing spirit, their philosophy is similar to that of Barça’s and we have a good team to compete and to win with."
Xavi rubbbed up Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo the wrong way when he launched a dig at the Portuguese forward during an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER last month.
Xavi said:"[Cristiano] Ronaldo is extraordinary, but compared to Messi, for me and for everyone who likes football, there can be no comparisons.
"Only a fool could have played football and not recognise Cristiano is an elite footballer. But he just has had bad luck to be around at the same time as Leo."
Unsurprisingly the Real Madrid front man hit back at Xavi and in response to his criticism in stunning fashion.
"The most searched for player on the Internet is me. Those that want to appear on front covers [of newspapers] or promote things speak about me," bragged Ronaldo.
"What does it matter to me what Xavi says? He plays where? In Qatar or [somewhere], I don't know. He's won everything but he's never won a Ballon d'Or. I have three."
But Xavi, who won 14 major honours under then boss Pep Guardiola at Barcelona over four years, refuses to take any notice of the critics who suggest he made the switch to Qatar to wind down his career with a £10million pay cheque.
"I’m very lucky to be here," explained Xavi. "It has really been one of the best decisions in my life.
"I’m pleased that my family could come here with me. My brother has joined me to work at Aspire, my sister is also here with her husband, practically all of my family are currently living here. We are all very happy living in Qatar."
The Spaniard skied a penalty for his side in their third qualification round match against Al-Jazira in the 2016 Asian Champions League earlier this year.
"I have also started my coaching training with the Aspire Academy," says Xavi, who admits lifting the Champions League trophy on his final appearance for the club he had served for 24 years was nothing short of a dream ending.
"The Aspire Academy is an absolutely amazing place with true professionals who work really hard to make Qataris more competitive. They have a unique football culture with a long term plan for the World Cup 2022, which is tremendous."
Xavi has an eye watering 25 club medals making him the most successful player in Spanish history. He scooped a World Youth champion’s medal in 1999 plus two European Championships and not forgetting the World Cup in 2010.