Doha: A good news for Al Sadd fans as Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has signed a two-year contract extension with the Qatari giants which will see him continue to play for ‘The Wolves’ until the end of the 2019-2020 season, it was announced yesterday.
In a statement appearing on Al Sadd’s official website, the former Spanish superstar, who completed his third season with the club, expressed his delight on contract renewal with Al Sadd.
“I am happy to keep on being a part of the Al Sadd family for two more years,” Xavi said.
“I am delighted to be at the club and with its fans. Everyone here is one big family and I am satisfied and thrilled to continue,” he added.
Under Xavi’s captaincy, Al Sadd have won several accolades including the 2017 Qatar Cup, the 2017 Emir Cup and the 2017-18 Sheikh Jassim Cup.
The maestro also led ‘The Wolves’ to the 2018 AFC Champions League quarter-finals in which the Qatari club will meet with Esteghlal of Iran in August following the summer break.
In the recently-concluded domestic season, Al Sadd ended up in second position at the QNB Stars League (QSL). Xavi’s men also played the final of Qatar Cup against Al Duhail who scooped the prestigious treble which also includes Amir Cup after an unbeaten campaign throughout these competitions.
In a popular signing, Al Sadd first roped in the Barcelona superstar in 2015 on a two-year contract which was later extended by 12 months. Ahead of the last season, Xavi hinted it was his last season in Qatar before he expressed his willingness to play for ‘at least till December 2018’ recently.
However, the new contract renewal will see the 38-year-old in Al Sadd colours for another two years.
“As an Al Sadd fan I am delighted with his contract renewal,” Qasim Ahmed, a die hard Al Sadd fan said.
“We were sad to hear about his intentions to leave Al Sadd but now we will have him for another couple of years which is not just great for our club but for football in the country also. He has vast experience and the players have a lot to learn from him,” he added.
Apart from playing for Al Sadd, Xavi has been named as a global ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
The maestro was a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010 and won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League titles with the Catalans.
