Xavi confirms he will quit playing after this season

Former Barcelonaand Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez is set to retire at the end of theseason and is keen to pursue a coaching career. The 37-year-old, whowon eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues trophies atBarcelona, is currently captain of Qatari club Al Sadd. Xavi, renowned for controlling play from a central position, said his ability to recover after a game was declining. “I’vehad luck not to be injured and I think my career has come towards itsend, there’s been a descent,” he told Spanish newspaper Sport. “Qatarallowed me this. Now I see myself being more tired, it’s harder torecover, it will surely be my last year of being a footballer. “Ihave the idea of getting my coaching license next year and being acoach.” Xavi collected 133 caps for Spain during a 14-year internationalcareer, winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in2008 and 2012.