FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.11.2008 14:29

“My dream is retire at Barça”

Jordi Clos

Xavi Hernández is hopeful that negotiations over his new contract at Camp Nou go well and is confident that an agreement will be reached soon to keep him at the club for the next few years.

The Catalan playmaker is one of Pep Guardiola’s key men and on Wednesday he spoke to the press about his desire to remain with Blaugrana as talks continue over an extension to his current deal, which expires in June 2010. “I am sure that we will reach an agreement because we both want it to happen,” he explained. “I have always said that I want to stay here. My dream is retire at Barça.”

Pep Guardiola has said that keeping Xavi at the club was non-negotiable and the midfielder thanked the coach for his words. “I have always felt comfortable and highly valued by the club,” he continued. “At no time have they said that they want to sell me.”

Staying focussed

Reflecting on the draw with FC Basel on Tuesday evening Xavi admitted that he was disappointed not to have won the game, but believes that the team must now look to the next game. “That has served as a lesson that we must be attentive, no game is ever going to be easy,” he explained. “But every game is different. It is unthinkable that we are going to go three or four goals up in the first few minutes all the time. We did not find the rhythm we needed to against a team that were good at the back, stopping us from scoring quickly and then trying to counter-attack against us. These things happened time and again.”

Sad for Iniesta

Not securing a victory was not the only disappointing aspect of the fourth group game of the Champions League as Andrés Iniesta picked up a knee injury that could see him out of action for up to eight weeks. “It is a shame because he is a crucial player, capable of making the difference and of playing in several positions,” he said. “Also, it is bad news because he was in great form and there are some very important games coming up. But we have the players to ensure that no one player is missed.”

Valladolid up next

Barça’s next encounter is against Real Valladolid on Saturday evening and Xavi knows what to expect from them. “They are a strong and physical team,” he stated. “I do not think that they will come and try to take us on like they did last season. But I think that we have to put on a good show and encourage the fans again.”