Al Sadd

Xavi Hernandez was unveiled as FC Barcelona's new coach on Monday as thousands of fans welcomed the debt-ridden club's legendary former midfielder back to Camp Nou.

Barcelona said in a statement it had reached an agreement with Xavi to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons, replacing the sacked Ronald Koeman.

Sergio Ramos described Xavi as "football in its purest form", his respect crossing the Clasico divide, not least because Xavi was as much an ideologue for Spain as he was for Barcelona.

Barcelona are set to announce Xavi Hernandez's dramatic return to the club as coach, after Al Sadd confirmed a deal has been agreed between the clubs.

Xavi is currently coach of Al Sadd but prising him away from the Qatari club is not expected to be a problem, with the Spaniard eager to complete a sensational return.

The Spaniard, 35, will join Qatar side Al Sadd at the end of the season, bringing the curtains down on a 17-year senior career with Barcelona which has seen him lift 23 trophies, reports mirror.co.uk.

Xavi Hernandez, who is believed to have signed a three-year contract with Al Sadd, will join the Qatari side next season.

Spanish veteran striker Raul Gonzalez has signed with Qatar's Al Sadd, several weeks after announcing he would leave Bundesliga club Schalke at the end of the season.

Asian champions Al Sadd held their nerve to take third place at the Club World Cup on Sunday as they won their play-off against Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol 5-3 on penalties.

A weakened Barcelona out-classed Al Sadd 4-0 at the Club World Cup on Thursday to set up a final clash with Santos, but the result was overshadowed by a serious injury to striker David Villa.

Qatar's Al Sadd will play Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup after the Asian champions stunned Esperance of Tunisia 2-1 on Sunday, sparking fan violence and a pitch invasion.

Qatar's Al Sadd shocked South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling AFC Champions League final on Saturday after they were deadlocked at 2-2 following extra-time.

India goalkeeper Subrata Paul will be leading the team in Sunday's international football friendly against Qatar at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha.

They are not exactly the favourites, but India's Champion club Dempo claim to be well-prepared to take on the challenge of Qatari giants Al Sadd when they both lock horns in the AFC Champions League play-off to be held in Qatar on Saturday.

Xavi Hernandez was unveiled as FC Barcelona's new coach on Monday as thousands of fans welcomed the debt-ridden club's legendary former midfielder back to Camp Nou.

Barcelona said in a statement it had reached an agreement with Xavi to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons, replacing the sacked Ronald Koeman.

Sergio Ramos described Xavi as "football in its purest form", his respect crossing the Clasico divide, not least because Xavi was as much an ideologue for Spain as he was for Barcelona.

Barcelona are set to announce Xavi Hernandez's dramatic return to the club as coach, after Al Sadd confirmed a deal has been agreed between the clubs.

Xavi is currently coach of Al Sadd but prising him away from the Qatari club is not expected to be a problem, with the Spaniard eager to complete a sensational return.

The Spaniard, 35, will join Qatar side Al Sadd at the end of the season, bringing the curtains down on a 17-year senior career with Barcelona which has seen him lift 23 trophies, reports mirror.co.uk.

Xavi Hernandez, who is believed to have signed a three-year contract with Al Sadd, will join the Qatari side next season.

Spanish veteran striker Raul Gonzalez has signed with Qatar's Al Sadd, several weeks after announcing he would leave Bundesliga club Schalke at the end of the season.

Asian champions Al Sadd held their nerve to take third place at the Club World Cup on Sunday as they won their play-off against Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol 5-3 on penalties.

A weakened Barcelona out-classed Al Sadd 4-0 at the Club World Cup on Thursday to set up a final clash with Santos, but the result was overshadowed by a serious injury to striker David Villa.

Qatar's Al Sadd will play Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup after the Asian champions stunned Esperance of Tunisia 2-1 on Sunday, sparking fan violence and a pitch invasion.

Qatar's Al Sadd shocked South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling AFC Champions League final on Saturday after they were deadlocked at 2-2 following extra-time.

India goalkeeper Subrata Paul will be leading the team in Sunday's international football friendly against Qatar at the Al Sadd Stadium in Doha.

They are not exactly the favourites, but India's Champion club Dempo claim to be well-prepared to take on the challenge of Qatari giants Al Sadd when they both lock horns in the AFC Champions League play-off to be held in Qatar on Saturday.