Ryan Giggs Pays Tribute to 'Chess Player' Xavi as Barca Star Equals His Record

Lionel Messi was not the only Barcelona player who entered the record books on Tuesday night. 

Messi became the Champions League record goalscorer as he scored a hat-trick against APOEL, but it was also a landmark game for Xavi. 

The midfielder made his 151st appearance in the European Cup, which equalled the record held by Manchester United's Ryan Giggs. 

Giggs himself admitted that he was proud to share the award with Xavi, who he compared to a chess player. 

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, as per the Manchester Evening News, Giggs said:

"

It’s always disappointing to lose a record but to share it with someone of Xavi’s calibre certainly softens the blow,

For me he is like a chess player who is always two or three moves ahead. He is one of the greatest footballers in one of the best teams of all time.

What surprised me most in the games I played against him was the way in which he caressed the ball and protected it, keeping if far away from his opponents.

It seemed as if he always took the right decision at the right time.

What I most liked about him was his intelligence on the pitch and, although I don’t know him very well, the humility with which he carried himself.

"

Two class players, one classy response from Giggs.