Former FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez revealed in an interview with the La Vanguardia newspaper which was published in Spain on Saturday that he had twice turned down the chance to coach the club where he was an icon as a player, but said the time had not come for him to return to the Camp Nou.
Xavi is currently coaching Al Sadd in Qatar and explained that he has "renewed two years" with the club. "I am are very comfortable and open to other club offers but I am taking things calmly."
"My priority now is family and I don't feel the need to leave. I am learning and I am fine the way I am," he added.
Xavi said that as well as coaching Al Sadd, he was "involved in a very beautiful project, which is not just Al Sadd, but also the Qatar World Cup."
"I will have an important role," he explained.
Xavi's recent arrival at Barcelona airport, accompanied by over 20 suitcases had prompted speculation that returning Barca president, Joan Laporta would name him as the replacement for Ronald Koeman this summer, although Koeman was confirmed as coach for next season by Laporta on Thursday.
Xavi gave his side of the story. "I landed at Barcelona, the press were waiting for me and as soon as I arrived, people started sending me messages... But first there is a coach who is Koeman, who must be respected, and secondly I am not in any hurry (to coach Barca)," he commented.
"For better or for worse, I have said no to Barcelona twice, due to different circumstances, family, professional, contractual... And it was difficult to do that, because I am a Barca fan, but it was not the time. Barca came for me, but it was not the moment," insisted Xavi, who said that when the chance comes again "I will value it and then decide."
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