Barcelona legend urges the club to hire Jose Mourinho to replace Xavi

A Barcelona legend has urged the club to hire Jose Mourinho as their next manager to replace the outgoing Xavi - insisting he should not be overlooked just because he has history managing rivals Real Madrid.

Mourinho - a two-time Champions League winner - is on the lookout for a new job after being sacked by Roma in January following one win in six, with club legend Danielle De Rossi replacing him.

Barca are also searching for a new coach after news that Xavi would be leaving his post at the end of the season.

The Spanish giants' only hope of winning any silverware this season is the LaLiga title - and that looks slim with Madrid eight points clear of them with seven games to play.

And given Mourinho's track record of success, the club's legendary player Rivaldo believes he would be a 'great signing' at the Nou Camp as he raved about his track record of silverware - calling him 'a winner'.

'There are many fans who do not accept players or coaches who played for or managed their rival team,' he told Betfair, via the Sun. But Jose Mourinho has already been at Barcelona, with Sir Bobby Robson, and he is a great person.

'Of course, his intensity as a coach, and sometimes being controversial with his own fans could be a concern from the beginning, but he is a winner.

'Considering that he is without a club and the situation at Barcelona, in my opinion, it is easier for him to join the team than Guardiola right now, and I think It would be a great signing for Barcelona, even though some fans don't like the name.

'Without a doubt he would do a great job, he knows the team, the Spanish league, the Champions League and has a lot of experience.'

However, he wasn't confident about the prospect of Pep Guardiola making a sensational return to Barcelona - having won three LaLiga titles, two Copa Del Reys and two Champions League titles during his four year spell.

'I do not see Guardiola joining Barcelona anytime soon,' he added.

'I think the only realistic chance would be when he wants to move back home and enjoy more family life, which is easier for him in Barcelona, and can coach the team at the same time.

'He's doing well in England, and I think this return would also depend on the financial state of the club, and if they can bring players in for Guardiola.'

Rivaldo enjoyed his best years at the Nou Camp, playing for the club 235 times, more than any other club, and scoring 130 goals. He won four trophies during his five seasons there.

He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time having netted 377 times in 813 club games, as well as 35 in 74 caps for his country - for whom he won the World Cup in 2002.