Barcelona

David Villa: 'Xavi Hernandez the best of all time'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 27 May 2015

David Villa describes former Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez as the "best midfielder of all time" as he prepares for an adventure in Qatar.

David Villa has paid tribute to former Barcelona teammate Xavi Hernandez as he bids to end his illustrious spell in Catalunya with another treble.

Having spent 23 years at the club, Xavi waved goodbye to his adoring fans at Camp Nou on Saturday for what was his last home game before joining Qatari side Al Sadd.

Villa - now at New York City FC - played alongside the ex-Spain international for club and country and claims that the 35-year-old is "best midfielder of all time".

"It's a joy to have been able to know him as a person, to have been able to play by his side for so long with the national team and for three years at Barcelona," he told EFE.

"He's of our league, he's Spanish, he's played in the national team and in Barcelona, and the truth is it is an honour for everyone to have had him in our game. He is the best midfielder of all time.

"I hope that things go really well in his new experience."

After already picking up another Liga title this season - his eighth - Xavi could help the Blaugrana to glory in the Copa del Rey final over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Luis Enrique's side then travel to Berlin for a Champions League final with Juventus the following week as the Spanish giants bid for a second treble in six years.