Xavi, 35 and the all-time Barcelona appearance record holder and club captain is to follow in the footsteps of former Spain team mate Raul, who played for Al Sadd from 2012 to 2014. The former Spain international announced his move to the world’s media in an hour long press conference.

"It's a definitive decision, it's not an easy one, it's the right moment to go," Xavi, told reporters.

"I still feel useful here but a change of scene is necessary, my head tells me so but not my heart," he said, adding that his aim was to return to Barcelona upon completing his coaching qualifications.

Xavi who joined Barcelona as an 11-year-old is to will sign a lucrative three-year deal with Qatari side Al Sadd.  Xavi would also work with Qatar’s famous Aspire Academy, become an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar, and aim to start his coaching qualifications.

One of the most decorated footballers of all time; he defined Barcelona and Spain’s spectacularly successful possession-based playing style. He represented La Roja 133 times, a record for an outfield player, and was a key figure in Spain’s glittering run when they won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. 

With Barca, Xavi has won three Champions League crowns, eight La Liga titles and a host of other trophies but has had limited playing time this season under coach Luis Enrique. He is set to receive a rousing sendoff at the Nou Camp when Barca, who wrapped up their latest La Liga title last weekend, host Deportivo La Coruna for their final match of the campaign on Saturday. 

He could still win another two trophies, with Barcelona through to the Champions League final to play Juventus on June 6, a week after they play Athletic Bilbao in the King’s Cup final. 

Xavi made his debut for Spain in a friendly against the Netherlands in November 2000. He played in four World Cups and three European Championships and won 100 of his 133 matches for the Iberian nation, controlling play from a central position, regularly providing assists and also scoring the occasional goal. His last appearance for Spain was a bitter 5-1 reverse to the Netherlands in their opening Group B match at the World Cup finals in Brazil in June.