There have been rumors for months that Barcelona and Spain superstar Xavi Hernandez was coming to Major League Soccer, and that move has now been confirmed. The 35-year-old midfielder, who has played more games than any player in Barca’s history and won every honour possible, will join New York City FC at the end of the La Liga season.
Spanish radio station Cadena SER reported on Wednesday that the player, his father Joaquín and his agent Ivan Corretja met with a representative from the club at the L’Arrosseria Xàtiva restaurant in Barcelona just a stone’s throw from the Nou Camp to negotiate his move to the US.
Xavi looked set to leave Barcelona last summer but decided to stay for one more season after a conversation with coach Luis Enrique. Despite that commitment, he has been reduced to a bit role at the club, and did not play in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City last week.
His departure from Barcelona will mark the end of an era. He joined the club as an 11-year-old and went on to make more than 700 appearances. He has won seven La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues plus the World Cup and two European championships with Spain. Xavi has to be the most decorated player ever to pull on an MLS jersey.
I really like what NYC FC is doing. The trio of Villa, Lampard and Xavi brings a winning mentality and tradition to the club. They will help bring up the standard of everyone else in the squad.
Plus with Xavi playing the role of playmaker, Villa and Lampard should get at least 10 goals each from July 1 when Xavi arrives in MLS.
What do you think of the Xavi coming to MLS? Is this a good signing for the club and league?
