Xavi plans to retire but insists Barca coaching return not close

AFP  |  Barcelona 

Former and midfielder Hernandez has indicated he will retire from playing at the end of the season.

"It's going to be my last year, in January I'll turn 39 and I think it's time to say goodbye," said in an interview with Spanish radio on Thursday night.

Xavi was also instrumental in Spain's unprecedented period of success between 2008 and 2012, when La Roja won and twice.

Regularly linked with a return to as coach, Xavi has made no secret of his ambition to lead his former club in the future.

He insists, however, he first wants to gain experience in

"The idea is to start here in to get experience, to prove myself, it's a new stage where I start from scratch," Xavi added.

"Coaching Barca is a big deal, you have to be very prepared and honestly, I still do not feel I am ready.

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First Published: Fri, November 23 2018. 21:06 IST