Xavi: ‘I’m trying to improve my game every day, doing my job properly, in order to earn the people’s trust. Unfortunately for me, there is a footballer currently playing at a much higher level. Messi is far above every other player on this planet. And it’s not diplomacy that made me say that’
Xavi: ‘I’m trying to improve my game every day, doing my job properly, in order to earn the people’s trust. Unfortunately for me, there is a footballer currently playing at a much higher level. Messi is far above every other player on this planet. And it’s not diplomacy that made me say that’
Xavi, on winning the Ballon d’Or: ‘Today, there is a player who is above everyone else, called Leo Messi. This is a unique and extraordinary footballer. If Messi maintains his performance level, and if he manages to win a title with Argentina, he will probably be the best in the history of this sport. For me, being there, and being able to compete for the award up until the end is already a huge honour’
Xavi: ‘The truth is Messi needs me to get the best out of his performance on the pitch but he also needs Iniesta, Busquets and all the others. I too need Messi, Iniesta and the rest of them. With Argentina, he may not have the same set up as there is in Barça, but they are also a great team. Really, Messi is unique, and for me, it’s a pleasure playing alongside him’
Xavi: ‘I’ll admit that I have a very important role, but I’m also part of an extraordinary team. I am an important part of Barcelona and the Spanish team, and I enjoy playing this role, as difficult as it may be. That’s because, for the past three or four years, I have won many titles with my club and country. So I can understand why people want to see me win individual trophies such as the Ballon d’Or’
Xavi: ‘There will be a new Xavi, perhaps an even better Xavi, because football, as in life, is constantly evolving. In the current team, there are already extraordinary players able to play my role properly, especially Cesc who joined us at the beginning of the season. Then there’s also Thiago, who I like a lot. Below him, Sergi Roberto is about to knock on the first team’s doors in at least another year’s time. Espinosa too is a very good footballer, and Thiago’s brother Rafael. FC Barcelona never has a shortage of talent and the day I’m gone, I will sleep well at night for I know Barça will continue to advance and win titles with or without me’
Xavi: ‘I think talent is essential in football. So I would say to him that, in this sport, for sure talent is more important than physique. On a football pitch, it is the technical qualities of a player that always makes the difference, not his physical power’
Xavi: ‘What makes the difference in football today is not just the last pass, the shot on goal, the movements, but also mental speed. Thinking quickly is more important to me than playing fast. The speed of the brain is more important than pace. If you can think fast, and on top of that, you have pace, you’re certain to be the best player in the world’
– The Camp Nou will cry the day Xavi decides to retire. His class, determination and true love for the Blaugrana colours make him a living legend, a symbol of Catalan pride and success.
A couple of days ago, Commander Hernandez was named best playmaker in the world by the International Federation for Football History and Statistics, making it the fourth time that the La Masia graduate has been given the award.
I remember how, some years ago, the Spanish media kept campaigning for Raul to win the Ballon d’Or based on his half-decent goals but, mainly, because he played for Real Madrid. Not a word has been written supporting Xavi who, let’s not forget, has 107 appearances for La Roja. Are they envious? You bet, they’d support Cristina Ronalda ahead of Xavi anytime!!!
Anyway, I just hope Xavi continues to perform at the highest level for years to come, filtering his innate skills down to future La Masia graduates. He may even follow Guardiola’s footsteps and become our Barça coach once he retires from professional duty, who knows??
XAVI HERNANDEZ: THE ONE AND ONLY BLAUGRANA COMMANDER!!!!!!!
