I've no regrets at all, but I still think at times that I would have loved to play in England. You live football over there; it's a great culture. People respect you more; it's more difficult to find respect in Spain. There is more criticism here. Xavi criticismculturedifficult share on social
Like so many of the players, I started at La Masia at the age of 11. I can't ever imagine not playing for Barcelona, let alone not playing soccer for a career. I don't ever want to play anywhere else. Xavi agebarcelonacareer Change image and share on social
England really is the birthplace, the heart and soul of football. If Barcelona had Liverpool's fans, or Arsenal's, or United's, we'd have won 20 Champions Leagues, hahaha! Xavi arsenalbarcelonabirthplace Change image and share on social
In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy. Xavi footballgreatimpostor Change image and share on social
I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.' Xavi balldefenceentire share on social
In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England. Xavi backcheatengland share on social
I think Barcelona and the Spanish national team have been good for soccer because there are a lot of teams that come up playing from the back: with the goalie, the defense, moving up a defender to midfield, playing attacking soccer. I think fans want to see that. They want to see beautiful soccer, a spectacle, and Barcelona does that. Xavi attackbackbarcelona share on social
There are a lot of teams that don't want to play, that only want to defend against Barcelona, and that makes it difficult. We're always looking for the open space. A lot of times we'll face six defenders and four midfielders. Xavi barcelonadefenddefender share on social
Ibiza is a popular vacation place for a lot of the players in Spain. If you go in the summer, there are some of the world's most famous movie and music stars, so nobody cares about soccer players. Xavi carefamousibiza Change image and share on social
I like to read the papers. I make my living from football, and I like to know what's going on. Xavi footballlivemake Change image and share on social