Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that he plans to remain in Barcelona despite numerous rumors that he could be headed to New York.
The Barcelona midfielder, who is turning 34 this year, has been seen as a potential candidate to move to one of the two New York teams; some believe that he is interested in rejoining former Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry as a member of the New York Red Bulls.
"Nobody has made me any proposition," he said, according to ESPN. "I know nothing else about New York apart from that it is very cold there. Henry has not called me, nor have I spoken with him. I do not have his telephone number."
Xavi is still a major part of Barcelona's midfield, but his age coupled with the need to develop Cesc Fabregas as the main man has limited his minutes.
Xavi noted that he almost left for Bayern Munich but remained at Blaugrana thanks to Pep Guardiola.
"It was pretty serious," Xavi said. "There was even a meeting with a Bayern coach and [FIFA agent Giovanni] Branchini. There was not time for anything. Pep grabbed me and said I could not go, that he had in mind for Barca to revolve around some certain players, including me, that I could not leave the club. And I was not wrong. It was another good decision, as my desire is to retire here at Barca."
Ironically, Guardiola wound up leaving Barcelona and made his way to Bayern Munich.
Should Xavi finish out his career in Barcelona or make a move to New York?
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