Barcelona ace Xavi has admitted that he came close to joining Bayern Munich in 2008, and, ironically, it was Pep Guardiola who stopped him from leaving.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the 33-year-old midfielder revealed the German giants made him an offer right after a stunning Euro 2008 where he was named player of the tournament.
He said: "It was pretty serious. There was even a meeting with the Bayern coach and FIFA agent (Giovanni) Branchini."
Before the move was completed, though, Guardiola was named as new Barcelona coach and quickly prevented Xavi from making the move.
Xavi added: "There was no time for anything. Pep grabbed me and told me that I couldn't leave, that the Barça he had in mind revolved around certain players, and I was one of them.
"And he was right. It was another good decision, because my ambition is to retire at Barça.
"Now look at us, Pep is the one who's at Bayern. These are the twists and turns of football. It's unbelievable."
 | |
| In 2008, Xavi was on the verge of moving from Barcelona to Bayern Munich Photo: Getty Images |
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the 33-year-old midfielder revealed the German giants made him an offer right after a stunning Euro 2008 where he was named player of the tournament.
He said: "It was pretty serious. There was even a meeting with the Bayern coach and FIFA agent (Giovanni) Branchini."
Before the move was completed, though, Guardiola was named as new Barcelona coach and quickly prevented Xavi from making the move.
Xavi added: "There was no time for anything. Pep grabbed me and told me that I couldn't leave, that the Barça he had in mind revolved around certain players, and I was one of them.
"And he was right. It was another good decision, because my ambition is to retire at Barça.
"Now look at us, Pep is the one who's at Bayern. These are the twists and turns of football. It's unbelievable."
Open an account with bet365 today and claim your 100% Deposit Bonus!
Related links: Team Personal Also see:
- 'Tiki-taka is Xavi's registered trademark'
- How sausages brought Bayern Munich & Pep Guardiola together
- Guardiola cried when Bayern youngster Højbjerg told about his cancer-stricken father
- 'Barcelona wanted Michael Laudrup instead of Pep Guardiola in 2008'
- Pep Guardiola not turning Bayern Munich into new Barcelona
