Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi has revealed that Pep Guardiola convinced him to shun a move to Bayern Munich in 2008.
In an interview with Marca, the 35-year-old claimed that the Barca board had decided to sell him, with the German champions interested.
However, following discussions with Guardiola, who had just been appointed the head coach at Camp Nou, Xavi remained in Catalonia.
"After Euro 2008, I got the feeling that Barcelona were ready to sell me. Real Madrid were winning things and we weren't and I went to the national team knowing that the club would be open to selling me if a good offer came in," said the now Al-Sadd midfielder.
"I spoke with my agent, Ivan Corretja, and he told me there was an offer from Bayern. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wanted me.
"Then Pep Guardiola became the new coach at Barcelona and I played a great Euro 2008. Pep told me that I was not going anywhere and explained how he could not imagine a Barcelona without me. I was captivated by what he said."
Under Guardiola's management, Xavi won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and the Champions League twice.
Liam Apicella
