I am here not just to play football, says Xavi

Spanish football star Xavi Hernandez has made Qatar his second home. The legendary midfielder joined Qatar Stars League side Al Sadd last season, after 24 years playing for Spanish giants Barcelona.
Xavi is also an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and has embraced the life and culture in Qatar. Yesterday, the former Spain captain was the focal point at the two-day Soccerex Asian Forum 2016 at the Grand Hyatt yesterday.
Xavi was one of the speakers at the event on the opening day as he talked about his experiences working with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s Generation Amazing programme. Xavi spoke passionately about his recent visit to Jordan, where he met and inspired children in a refugee camp. He said it was an unforgettable experience to spend time with the children.
“This is a very important project and I am proud to be part of it. To share my experiences, not only particular to football, but generally is what makes me happy. It’s very interesting project and goes with my personality. I know I am blessed in my life, so to inspire and help the underprivileged children in a refugee camp gives me a sense of satisfaction. I am just trying to give back and spread happiness,” said Xavi.
“I’m not as popular as current players. But I would like to make others happy, this is the best thing I will achieve in my life. To inspire them to play football is the biggest thing for me. Yes, football is a means that can be very useful and change the lives of the people.
“As footballers we have to guide and help others, that is my aim. What we want is this project be continued and also followed in other parts of the world. We have to give something back to the community. That’s the spirit of this project,” the Spaniard added.
Looking back, the 36-year-old is pleased that he has made a move to Qatar and said his role at the Aspire academy is to nurture the talent.
“I am here not just to play football. At the Aspire academy I try to impart my skills to kids there. I want to improve the ability of the local players here. It’s not easy to work as a coach because you need a coordinate. We need to work together to implement the strategies of the Aspire Academy. We are trying to help players get ready to play at the 2022 World Cup,” Xavi said.
The former Barcelona captain was looking forward to welcome his former teammates to Doha for a friendly against Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia on December 13th.
“It’s a great opportunity for the people of Qatar to see a team like Barcelona. I hope we see a great game against Al Ahli. I am in touch with the players a lot, but it’s a great opportunity to see them in person again. It will be a full stadium, a spectacular game of football, because here they really love Barca,” he said.
Xavi was glued to the TV in the weekend when Barcelona played Real Madrid in ‘El Clasico’, which ended in a 1-1 draw after Real’s Sergio Ramos scored a last-minute header.
“It was a very even match. In the first half we (Barcelona) didn’t play well. (Luis) Suarez’s goal changed things and we played much better with Andre (Iniesta) coming on. Iniesta makes the difference for Barca, he is always under control with his passing. Ramos’s goal to draw level may seem a bit unfair but if you analyse the game in general, Madrid deserved to take home a point,” Xavi observed.
On the chances of Al Sadd winning the QSL title this year, Xavi said the league is very competitive and it is difficult to predict a winner. “We have recruited some new players this season and so far it has been good. We have to wait and see if we can win the title. Al Rayyan won last year and we are trying our best. Competition is tougher each year,” the Al Sadd skipper said.