Xavi: Catalonia would be among best 15 sides in the world
The midfielder is confident the region would be able to stand alone as a country in football
After missing the last game, Xavi Hernandez was once again back in a Catalan shirt on Wednesday night, representing the side for the 12th time. He wasn’t able to end the game on the winning side, but he certainly enjoyed himself.
“I always feel happy when I return home and it’s a source of genuine pride to play for the national team,” the former Barcelona midfielder said after the defeat to Tunisa on penalties.
“The truth is I feel really loved. I think we’ve seen a great game, full of goals and entertainment. It was a real party. We were against a great side in Tunisia and they were at an excellent level.
“We played our own football, always attacking, enjoying having the ball, looking to entertain. In short, what is genuinely ours, what we have learned from teachers like Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola.”
Barça’s record appearance holder was named as Man of the Match and he believes “the Catalan national team would be among the best 10 or 15 sides in the world.
“This national team is a true reflection of the level you can currently find in Catalan sport. There’s no doubt that we are a power in a number of different specialities.”
