Don’t Pass It On: Barcelona legend Xavi tested positive for COVID-19

Barcelona legend and the current manager of Qatar side Al Sadd Xavi has tested positive for coronavirus. Xavi revealed on social media that he is asymptomatic and will self-isolate for the time being.

Routine tests were carried for all the personnel involved with the teams ahead of the Qatar Stars League. The former midfielder was found to be tested positive when the results came out and will not be travelling with the team for the upcoming fixtures.

The midfield maestro revealed the news on Instagram while adding that he is feeling okay at the moment. He wrote:

“Today I will not be able to accompany the team on the return to the official competition.

A few days ago and following the @qsl protocol, I gave a positive result in the last COVID-19 test they performed on me. Fortunately, I am in perfect condition but, following the protocol, isolated until I have overcome it.

“When the health authorities allow me, I will join my daily routine and work with more desire than ever. I thank all the authorities and especially those responsible for @qsl, @qfa and @alsaddsc for putting at our disposal all the means for early detection that prevents further contagion and guarantees a normal development of the competition.”

“Take care and see you soon on the football pitch!”

View this post on Instagram

Avui no podré acompanyar el meu equip en la tornada a la competició oficial. David Prats, entrenador del filial de l’@alsaddsc, ocuparà el meu lloc com a cap de l’equip tècnic. Fa uns dies, seguint el protocol de @qsl, vaig donar positiu en l’últim test COVID19. Afortunadament em trobo perfectament, però seguint el protocol, continuaré aïllat fins que ho hagi superat. Quan els serveis mèdics m’ho permetin, m’incorporaré a la meva rutina i feina diàries amb més ganes que mai. Agraeixo a totes les autoritats, especialment als responsables de @qsl, @qfa i d’ @alsaddsc per posar a la nostra disposició tots els mitjans per a una detecció precoç que eviti més contagis i garanteixi el desenvolupament normal de la competició. Una abraçada i ens veiem aviat als camps de futbol! ⚽ _____ Hoy no podré acompañar al equipo en la vuelta a la competición oficial. En mi lugar y a la cabeza del staff técnico estará David Prats – entrenador del equipo filial de @alsaddsc – Hace unos días y siguiendo el protocolo de @qsl di positivo en el último test COVID19 que me realizaron. Afortunadamente me encuentro en perfecto estado pero, siguiendo el protocolo, aislado hasta que lo haya superado. Cuando las autoridades sanitarias me lo permitan, me incorporaré a mi rutina y trabajo diarios con más ganas que nunca. Agradezco a todas las autoridades y en especial a los responsables de @qsl, @qfa y de @alsaddsc el poner a nuestra disposición todos los medios para una detección precoz que evite mayores contagios y garantice un desarrollo normal de la competición. Un abrazo y nos vemos pronto en los campos de fútbol! ⚽️

A post shared by Xavi (@xavi) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:02am PDT

Xavi and Al Sadd’s fate

In the absence of Xavi, assistant manager David Prats will take over his duties at Al Sadd. After the suspension of play in March due to the pandemic, football resumed in Qatar on Friday.

Al Sadd, who lie third on the table with five rounds of fixtures to go, will play Al-Khor on Saturday.

Xavi was touted to manage Barcelona after the board opted to sack Ernesto Valverde. However, the Spaniard opted against the move which prompted the La Liga giants to rope in Quique Seiten.

Xavi proceeded to sign a one-year deal with Al Sadd after only having managed the team for a season after his playing career with the Qatar side. However, there is a special clause in his contract which allows him to leave only for Barcelona in case Seiten gets sacked.

The player was part of a legendary midfield trio alongside Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquests. Xavi was a vital cog in Pep Guardiola‘s tiki-taka system which brought them immense success in Spain and Europe as well.

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