DOHA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Spanish midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez said, in an recent interview with Qatar World Cup organizing committee, that football has reached a limit of physical development, the side of talent, as well technical and tactical knowledge is where can be improved.
20 years after his debut with Barcelona, the 38-year-old believes physical development of players has reached limits and the game intensity "cannot be higher".
"For me the decisive factor is not players with physical presence, but those who give meaning and structure to the game," he added.
Widely considered as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi contibuted 58 goals and more than 100 assists under his spell with La Liga giants Barcelona in which, the team lifted 25 trophies with the "beautiful game" as their philosophy.
In his international career, Xavi is also seen an influential figure being capped 133 times for the Spainish national team. His role was tremendous in Spain's triumphes in the 2010 World Cup, Euro Championships in 2008 and 2012.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup is less than two months away and it will be the first time that Xavi will live a World Cup as a fan since 2002. Meanwhile, the current Al Sadd SC player will promote in Russia Generation Amazing, a football development programme by the Qatar 2022 organizers.
"This summer we will see many outstanding players. I look forward to watching and enjoying the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, because a World Cup is something truly incredible. I had the good fortune to play in four tournaments, and the honour to lift the trophy in South Africa together with my teammates," Xavi said.
Xavi joined Qatari club Al Sadd at the end of the 2014-15 season on a three-year contract and won his first trophy with the club in the Qatar Cup final in April last year.
After another 6 months Xavi will pursue his coaching career, joining other player-turned coaches like Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, both of whom had led Barca to triple crowns in a single season.
"It is a pleasure to be here and a perfect fit for me. I have time to focus on studying to be a coach," said Xavi who has been learning different coaching methodologies at Aspire Academy, a sports academy based in Qatar. He has also started his coaching badge in Madrid this month, meanwhile continuing to play for Al Sadd.
