Barcelona have confirmed that Xavi Hernandez will return to Camp Nou and succeed the sacked Ronald Koeman as coach.
Barcelona announced in the early hours of Saturday that Xavi has agreed to a contract through to 2024 after the former Spain midfielder was released from his contract at Qatari club Al-Sadd.
FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernandez for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons,” Barcelona said in a statement headlined “Welcome back home, Xavi!.
Xavi Hernandez, a youth team product at Barça, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club.”
Xavi will be unveiled on Monday and his first game will be the home Catalan derby against Espanyol on Nov. 20. Interim coach Sergi Barjuan will remain in charge for this Saturday’s match at Celta Vigo.
It wasn’t goodbye, it was ‘see you soon,’” Xavi said in a video addressed to the fans. “The Camp Nou has always been my home,
You’re my fans, my people, the club that I love the most. And now, I’m coming home. See you soon, Culers. Forca Barca!
Al Sadd had released a statement on Friday morning confirming Xavi’s departure.
The Qatari club published a video of Xavi saying goodbye to his players during a team meal. Several players wished him a fond farewell in the video.
