Xavi urges Al-Sadd to allow him to return to Nou Camp as manager

Xavi has urged Al-Sadd to allow him to return to Barcelona as manager with Catalan officials reportedly in Doha to negotiate his return to the Nou Camp.

Barcelona are expected to announce their former captain as the club's new manager in the coming days following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

The 41-year-old appeared to say his farewell following Al-Sadd's 3-3 draw against Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League on Wednesday, as he shook all of his players' hands at the end.

'I've been talking to Barca for days, it's done,' Xavi said.

'But now it depends on the conversations between clubs, they need to reach an agreement. Barca is coming to talk, we are all eager and excited. We'll see if it ends up being done.

'I really want to go home. I hope it happens. I have a contract and now the clubs have to negotiate. They already know my position.'

Xavi spent 17 seasons as a player at the Nou Camp, winning eight LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Al-Sadd captain Abdelkarim Hassan admitted that he expects his manager to leave for Spain, saying: 'Everyone is sad because of Xavi's departure, but he will coach a big team like Barcelona.'

'Xavi presented a new idea to Qatari football and Al-Sadd players and helped us as a great player and coach, and his ideas led us to achieve a lot despite the criticism. We will miss him a lot.'

Even if Xavi is announced this week, he is not expected to be in charge for Saturday's LaLiga clash against Celta Vigo, with his first game likely to be after the international break against Espanyol on November 20.