Wednesday, 10th September, 2014
Barcelona talisman Xavi turned down offers from Bayern Munich and Manchester United this summer for fear of having to one day face his former club.
The veteran midfielder was continually linked with the Barcelona exit door throughout the summer transfer window, but chose to stay put and remain at the Camp Nou.
Xavi is still being chased by a number of clubs, but has made clear he will not head to another side within Europe.
According to Spanish daily El Mundo Deportivo, Pep Guardiola wanted Xavi at Bayern Munich, while Louis van Gaal tried to convince the midfielder to move to Manchester United.
But Xavi knocked back both of his former managers.
The midfielder pondered leaving Barcelona but was concerned that joining either Bayern Munich or Manchester United could have seen him forced to play against the Blaugrana at some point.
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The Spaniard's future is now set to be either in the Middle East or the United States, when he decides to call time on his stay at the Camp Nou.
Xavi is thought to have agreed to see this season out with Barcelona before deciding on a departure.
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