Many FC Barcelona fans wanted Xavi Hernandez to take over as coach of the Catalan side, but the former Blaugrana captain rejected the club's offer to do just that, and he has now revealed why.
The 39-year-old is currently in charge of Qatari side Al-Sadd, but had several meetings with representatives from Barcelona before Quique Setien was announced as the Spanish giants' new coach.
According to Sport, Xavi met with the Blaugrana's director of football Eric Abidal and CEO Oscar Grau on three occasions before deciding to snub his former club.
"Yes, I received an offer from Barcelona when Eric Abidal and Oscar Grau were here but I didn't accept it, especially because it's too soon to coach Barcelona," he said.
"But let nobody doubt that it's my dream in the future to coach Barca."
After Xavi's rejection, Barcelona quickly focused on Setien, who was announced as their new coach on Tuesday morning, and the former captain sent him his well wishes.
"I love Setien, his way of working, and I hope he has success with Barcelona," Xavi added.
