Xavi Announces Transfer to Al Sadd from Barcelona: Details, Comments, Reaction

Barcelona midfield legend Xavi announced on May 21 he will leave the Catalan giants this summer to join Al Sadd.

He signed a two-year deal with Al Sadd, confirmed by Barcelona's official Twitter. However, the midfielder has long-term ambitions to return to the Catalan club in the future, per FC Barcelona.

At his introduction on June 11, the midfield legend discussed the move to Qatar, according to Al Sadd's official Twitter feed:

Now 35 years old, Xavi joined Barca aged 11 and has been a regular part of the first team since 1998, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Xavi also revealed Barcelona had offered him an extended deal and admitted his mother and the Barcelona fans almost convinced him to stay (via Barcastuff):

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Xavi: "I didn't tell my mother about Barcelona's renewal offer, because she's an even bigger Barça fan than me..." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 21, 2015"

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Xavi: "Fans gave me goosebumps wit their chants of 'Xavi, quedate' (Xavi, stay). Makes you think, but it's the right moment to go."

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) May 21, 2015"

Xavi is one of the best players to ever graduate from Barca's famed academy, La Masia. He made his competitive debut for the Blaugrana in the Spanish Super Cup final against RCD Mallorca in August 1998 under former head coach Louis van Gaal.

A true great of the modern game, Xavi also played a key role for Spain as they won three consecutive major titles between 2008 and 2012—two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

He is identifiable with arguably the greatest eras in both Barcelona and Spain's footballing history and leaves Camp Nou a bona fide legend. His ability to dictate the pace is unmatched by almost any other player, and will no doubt be hugely missed in Catalonia.

However, Xavi has seemingly timed his departure to perfection after a Treble-winning season for Barca.