"There are many advantages here. Peace of mind, security ... Nuria tells me that if we can continue here it will be better for our children," he said
Xavi Hernández, a disaster for business
"I don't live in a democratic country, but I think the system here works better than the one there. I want the best for my future and that of my children." The statements of Xavi Hernández , little given to speak with the press, about his "happy" existence in Qatar have caused a trail of criticism. A perfect storm. In the last four years, the former Barcelona midfielder has built a new life in the country of the Persian Gulf, from which he has become an enthusiastic ambassador.
Qatar, with its skyline of luxurious skyscrapers, has an area similar to that of the region of Murcia and boasts the highest GDP per capita on the planet. The monarchy of Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Zani, 38, manages - with the same firmness as its neighbors in the Persian Gulf - the confines of a country that is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. Of its 2.7 million souls, only 12% are Qatari.
After 17 seasons in Barcelona, Xavi (39) found in this sort of Tower of Babel - with its lights and shadows - a new opportunity, with a juicy contract and the possibility of developing a long-term career . "Xavi has been playing here for four seasons. The truth is that bringing the family here and being the way it is, it represents an example for everyone. It is very adapted," Gabi Fernández (36) acknowledged a few months ago, the former Atlético who a year ago followed in the footsteps of Barcelona.
During the past season, both shared the pitch with the Al Sadd shirt , one of the most traditional clubs in the Qatar Star League. Xavi has just begun his journey as the coach of a team that aspires to "export the Spanish model", starting with the technical staff until his playing style. Money is not lacking. "What we are looking for is to implement the philosophy of Spanish football. It was a real challenge to sign Xavi because there were other teams interested in him in China, the United States and Spain but we managed to convince him," Turki al Ali, executive director of the club, admitted to this newspaper .
"No club reports the salary of its players. It is not a cheap market and I can tell you that the prices paid are at the same level as the European leagues. It is not a cheap market. On the whole planet, when everything is falling, the only thing that goes up is the prices of the players. It's a big bubble. " With a salary at the height of the old continent, Xavi has managed to move like a fish in the water in the small country, becoming a wanted and requested icon. He, in turn, has become convinced of the country that welcomes him.
In an interview with Ara , Xavi slides: "There are many advantages here. Peace of mind, security ... We don't have a house key, you leave the car running ... Nuria even tells me that if we can continue here it will be even better for our children . The two were born here. In Qatar people are happy. " Unlike Gabi, who chose to leave his family in Madrid and embark on the adventure accompanied by a cousin who works as a physical trainer, Catalan has moved his life completely. And it has risen in a lighthouse for others.
"Xavi has helped me a lot since I arrived. It has turned to me being well and not missing anything here," said Gabi, aware of the obstacles. "They have different work routines to those we have in Europe, for example, in the afternoon workouts, because in the morning it is more difficult for them to train. For example, the temperature and punctuality that in Europe we look with magnifying glass, here they go through more stop. These are things that you get used to, "he said.
Xavi married in July 2013 with the journalist Núria Cunillera . The couple has two children: the oldest, Asia, born in January 2016, and Dan, lit last November. The baby was born in the Sidra Medicine Center, a hospital and leading research center dedicated to women and children whose exterior is decorated with 14 bronze colossi that represent the journey from conception to birth, carved by the British Damien Hirst .
The former Barça is a cornerstone of the Qatari strategy for - like its neighboring countries - improving its exterior image with its commitment to sport. Xavi serves as ambassador for the 2022 World Cup, wrapped in controversy over the opacity that led to his appointment; respect for human rights; the lack of freedoms; the labor situation of the workers involved in the construction of the tournament venues; and respect for minorities in the country.
In the Democracy Index, which is annually produced by The Economist, Qatar is ranked 133 out of 167 countries and its regime is considered "authoritarian . " Like most Arab countries, sharia (Islamic law) is the main source of local legislation and which governs crimes such as adultery, theft or murder. Lashes are applied as punishment for alcohol consumption in places not designated for intake or illegal sexual intercourse.
Labor rights
In labor rights, the Kefala system reigns, which has subjugated migrants from the domestic and construction sectors for decades throughout the Arabian peninsula. In a report published a week ago, Amnesty International denounced that, despite government promises, "hundreds of migrant workers employed by three construction and cleaning companies have renounced justice and returned home without money since March 2018 ".
Doha, unlike other neighboring regimes, publicly recognizes the problem. "We are proud of the progress in labor material that we have achieved in the last decade. Our work has brought about legislative changes and is one of the most important inheritances of the World Cup, its impact on labor legislation. Qatar is a model for the countries of the region that wants to improve their working conditions, " Naser al Jater, deputy secretary of the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy, the entity responsible for ensuring the construction of the infrastructure of the competition, points out to this newspaper.
Nor does it conceal the conservatism of the Qatari society despite the public presence of Sheija Moza bint Naser, mother of the current emir, and her defense of education and women's rights. "Our commitment is that everyone will be welcome to the World Cup, regardless of race, nationality or sexual orientation. But it must be borne in mind that the World Cup is also related to understanding between cultures. In Qatar no form is tolerated of public expression of affection. It has nothing to do with each one's sexual orientation but with respect for public space, "says Al Jater.
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