Pele: "I love Xavi"

Former Brazil World Cup winner Pele has admitted that he 'loves' Spain midfielder Xavi.

Like Pele, Xavi, who is currently with the La Roja squad ahead of this summer's World Cup, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the sport.

Pele has also revealed his respect for Barcelona, who remind him of his former club Santos.

"I reaffirm - I love Xavi. He is excellent. I mainly like Barca because of Xavi and also [Andres] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi," Pele told AS.

"That team reminds me of my time with Santos playing with Zito, Coutinho and Pepe.

"A lot of Spain's game is like Barcelona's. Barcelona is the team of Spain. In fact, there should be about eight Barcelona players in the team."

Pele won three World Cups with Brazil.