Xavi has revealed that Manchester United and Liverpool are the two Premier League clubs he would have played for if given the chance, though claimed he favours the Old Trafford side.
Xavi, 35, joined Qatari club Al Sadd after making 767 appearances for Barcelona, where he won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
But the Spain midfielder said that if he had ever gone to England, the history of United and Liverpool, who have won a combined 38 league titles and eight European Cups, mean they would have been his preferred destinations.
"To be honest, the Premier League is a big attraction for any player. It's brilliant -- the stadiums, the pitches, the fans and how they live football over there -- it's all incredible over there", he told Eurosport.
"There are many great sides like Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool. If I had to select one, it would have to be a club with a great history; maybe Manchester United or Liverpool.
"I know that there are clubs who have emerged quite recently, like Manchester City for example, but United is my favourite historically-speaking."