Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez confirms Al Sadd transfer

"I'd like to announce that I'm leaving Barca after this season," the former Spain international, who won the World Cup and two European Championships with his country, said. "The decision is definitive yet difficult.

"I've been at the club for almost 25 years but this is the time for me to leave. I have a thrilling project in Qatar -- I will play for Al Sadd the next two seasons.

"I also have an enthusiastic project in the Aspire academy [a sporting academy based in Qatar]. I will be able to work towards becoming a coach or a sporting director in the future."

Officially: Super Star of @FCBarcelona #Xavi hernandez will join #AlSadd from next season pic.twitter.com/wKniOpfPMW

- AlSadd S.C Official (@AlsaddSC) May 21, 2015

Barca have already secured the Spanish league title this season after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the weekend, and could seal the Treble with victories in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 30 and the Champions League final against Juventus seven days later.

"It's a special end to my career at Barca," Xavi said. "Having won La Liga, I'm really looking forward to lifting the Copa del Rey.

"We have the opportunity to make history and I just want to win our last two trophies."

Xavi had come close to joining New York City FC last summer and he said: "I'm happy to have stayed at Barca this year. I did well to remain for another season even though I've had less playing time. I could not have asked for a better career and I want to thank the Barca fans, who have treated me very well.

"I'm very happy with how things have gone and I leave having given everything."

He said now was the right time to move on, despite being offered the chance to sign a deal until June 2018.

"I had a very good offer to renew with Barca, but I didn't even tell my mother," he said. "I think the Qatar project is nice, and it's ideal for me. In the future I'd like to come back to Barca."

Xavi said he had little doubt that the club would prosper in his absence, despite having been central to much of their remarkable success over the last decade.

"Barca will continue to be great without me," he said. "I'm convinced. History is proof of that."

He said he "would like to be remembered as someone who always gave everything to Barca and the national team," adding: "I always tried to play for the team. I have a passion for football and I believe I have made the most of my abilities as a footballer."

Xavi's father had announced earlier this week that his son would be leaving the Camp Nou, while Barcelona and Spain star Andres Iniesta paid tribute to his teammate.

Iniesta said: "I am out of compliments. I will not find anyone at the stature of what he represents as a person and a player.

"The figures, the years, the feelings, his way of doing things are beyond any words. He is a unique player, unrepeatable and has been fundamental at the club and with the national team.

"It is a true pleasure and privilege to have had my entire career at his side."