Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi Hernandez has announced that he has tested positive for Covid-19.
The current manager of Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd, explained on Instagram that he wasn’t having any symptoms but will self-isolate until he recovers fully.
Xavi said: “Today I will not be able to accompany my team in the return to official competition. David Prats, reserve coach, will take my place as head of the technical team.
“A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in my most recent Covid-19 test. Luckily, I feel perfectly fine, but following the protocol, I will remain isolated until I have overcome it.
“When the medical authorities allow me, I will return to my daily routine and work more eagerly than ever.
“I thank all the authorities, especially those which allowed us the means for an early detection that avoids more spreading of the virus and guarantees the normal continuation of the season. “A hug, and see you soon on the football pitch!”
Xavi has been the manager of Al Sadd since 2019 and even signed a one-year deal extension in July but he is still expected to take over as Barca head coach at some point in the future.
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Last month, Xavi told Sport: “The biggest hope I have now is to be Barca coach and get Barca back to winning ways.
“Our technical staff are preparing for it a lot and it makes us really excited. I’m a club man. I would like to return at the right moment to start a project from zero.
“I’ve said it a lot of times but I want to take footballing decisions at Barcelona. It’s clear that after the elections the stage would be set, of course. I’m not ruling anything out.
“They came for me in January, we spoke about it. I told them the circumstances and timing weren’t right.”
