Xavi returns to Barcelona as manager

Barcelona have appointed former midfielder and captain Xavi Hernandez as manager until 2024.

The club made the announcement on Saturday after receiving the green light on Friday to sign the 41-year-old from Qatari side Al Sadd.

“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 played for Barcelona for 17 years, making 767 appearances and winning 25 trophies, including four Champions League wins and eight league titles.

Barca are ninth in La Liga – nine points behind leaders Real Sociedad with Serji Barjuan as caretaker manager, following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

Barjuan is set to remain in charge for their league match at Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Xavi arriving in Barcelona this weekend before his presentation on Monday.

Xavi’s first game would be a local derby against Espanyol on November 20, after the international break.