Xavi Hernandez, new manager of Barcelona. /CFP
Spanish giants Barcelona announced on Saturday they had struck a deal with legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez to be their new manager until 2024.
"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," the club said in a statement. "Xavi Hernandez, a youth team product at Barca, 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 take over from interim manager Sergi Barjuan, who was appointed after the removal of Ronald Koeman. Xavi's first game will be at home against RCD Espanyol on November 20.
Xavi Hernandez (R) and Lionel Messi (L) of Barcelona pose with the UEFA Champions League trophy after their 3-1 win over Juventus in the final at Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, June 6, 2015. /CFP
"It wasn't goodbye, it was 'see you soon'," Xavi said of his 2015 departure from the club in a video to Barcelona 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!"
One of the biggest talents from the club's youth academy La Masia, Xavi played for Barca's first team for 16 seasons, during which he helped them win eight La Liga championships, three Copa del Rey titles, six Supercopa de España championships, four UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cup championships and two FIFA Club World Cup titles.
He was also a member of the Spanish national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona waves to fans in the victory parade after winning the UEFA Champions League Final at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, June 7, 2015. /CFP
The former midfield master started his managing career in 2019 at Qatari club Al Sadd, and led the team to win multiple titles, including the domestic championship that season.
In a statement on Friday, Al Sadd said it "has agreed on Xavi's move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract. We have agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future." It added: "Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd's history and we wish him success."
Barcelona are currently ninth in La Liga with 16 points after 11 games, including 4 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses. They are second in Group E in the Champions League but only two points ahead of Benfica, whom they will meet at home on November 23.