We think it’s a crying shame that Xavi is now playing football in a semi-retirement home in the Middle East.
The former Barcelona man is picking up what we can only assume is a very hefty wage for his new club Al Sadd in Qatar.
The standard is not exactly taxing (see what we did there) by any means, but dozens of players are happy enough to take in some sun, sand and lots of money as they wind down their careers.
It sounds like a dream for most professional footballers, but for the ex-Spain international, it turned into a bit of a nightmare this evening as he had a chance to guide the club into the Asian Champions League.
Their game against Al Jazira ended 2-2 after normal and extra-time so it went to penalties. And if there was one cool customer we thought we could bank on to hold his head, it would be Xavi from 12 yards.
We were sadly mistaken however; as his effort went over the bar, and cost his team a place in the Asian Champions League.
He was first up and well, it was an awful attempt.
Xavi misses the first kick for Al-Sadd
— 🏆 #77 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) February 9, 2016
His club went on to lose 5-4 on spot-kicks.
Hamza al-Sanhaji misses the seventh kick for Al-Sadd
Al-Jazira 5-4 Al-Sadd
— 🏆 #77 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) February 9, 2016
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