Doha (AFP)

Xavi confirmed Thursday that he had received and declined an offer from FC Barcelona to become the first team coach, saying it was still "too early" for him.

Xavi Hernandez, 39, world champion and double European champion with Spain and idol of Barça where he spent most of his playing career, was tipped to succeed Ernesto Valverde at the head of the Catalan club, but it was ultimately Quique Setién who inherited the post.

"I received an offer from Barcelona in the presence of Eric Abidal", the club's sporting director, "but I did not accept this offer, in particular because it is too early for me to train Barcelona," said the Spaniard in a statement from Al-Sadd, the Qatari club he is currently coaching.

"But it will always be my dream to coach the team in the future," added Xavi, 855 games on the clock with the Barcelona first team.

Quique Setién, who won his stripes at Betis Sevilla, is under contract with Barça until 2022 but his lease can be shortened in 2021 if the club changes its president.

© 2020 AFP