Xavi responds to rumors of him replacing Ronald Koeman as Barcelona coach.

Barcelona legend, Xavi has responded to rumors linking him with a move to coach Barcelona.

The Camp Nou legend admits that returning to Catalunya remains part of a long-term plan.

After a humbling 4-1 defeat to Kylian Mbappe-inspired Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 of the Champions League, talks of a return for Xavi has intensified.

With presidential elections also about to be held, Ronald Koeman’s position at the club is also being questioned.

Xavi who spent 17 years as part of the first-team fold at Barca in his playing days, told FIFA’s official website:

“Right now, I’m at Al Sadd and I’m doing well here. I’m at a big club in Asia, in Qatar. It’s the best team in Qatar.

“We’ll see what happens in the future. Everyone sees me as a Barcelona coach, and I really respect Barcelona and Koeman, the current head coach.

“I don’t want to hide the truth – of course I would like to be Barcelona’s head coach. I’ve said it many times.

“But I will always respect the presiding coach and the club. I wish them the best of course. I’ve been a Barcelona fan as long as I can remember.

“There’s an upcoming presidential election, so let’s see which candidate wins in roughly a month’s time.”

Xavi, 41 has won four trophies in the Middle East, and Barca presidential candidate Victor Font has said he will look to bring a club legend home if elected to take control of the Blaugrana boardroom on March 7.