Barcelona and Spain football legend Xavi Hernandez has confirmed he has tested positive for COVID-19. The 40-year-old, who coaches Al Sadd in Qatar, announced that he is asymptomatic and is currently self-isolating. His assistant David Prats will be on the sidelines managing the team when Al Sadd begin their Qatar Stars League (QSL) campaign on Saturday. "A few days ago, following the Qatar Stars League protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test," the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder said in a post on Al Sadd’s official Twitter page. Xavi Hernandez, Former Barcelona Star, Tests Positive for COVID-19.
“Today I won't be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition," Xavi said in a statement on his Instagram page. "David Prats will be there on my behalf as head of the technical staff - coach to the Al-Sadd reserves. A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID-19 test. Fortunately, I'm feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all clear.” He added in the statement.
Al Sadd Make Announcement
Xavi : Today I won’t be able to join my team on their comeback to the official competition. David Prats will be there on my behalf as head of the technical staff - coach to the @alsaddsc reserves. pic.twitter.com/HDvRd9ZN46
— AlSadd S.C | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) July 25, 2020
Xavi Confirms He Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
The Qatar Stars League resumed on Friday four months after being suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Al Sadd are third in the points table and will resume their campaign against Al Khor on Saturday with five matches yet to be played in the current season.
Get Well Soon
Xavi tested positive for crona virus😥The new generation will never how good u were. Get well soon❣️#Xavi pic.twitter.com/2C9CL7RvBE
— Faeeze Ali (@FaeezeAli) July 25, 2020
Wish Him Speedy Recovery
Xavi Hernandez Tests Positive for Covid-19
👉🏻We wishes him a speedy recovery and good health❤️#xavi#covid19
🔺Tᴇᴀᴍ Uɴsᴛᴏᴘᴘᴀʙʟᴇ Mᴇssɪ🔺™ pic.twitter.com/preZra3hmo
— Unstoppable Messi (@UnstoppableM10) July 25, 2020
Fans Wish Xavi Speedy Recovery
Official: Barça legend and current Al Sadd SC manager Xavi Hernandez has tested positive for COVID-19. He will isolate himself & only return once he feels well.
Wishing him a speedy & healthy recovery. ❤️#xavi #getwellsoonxavi pic.twitter.com/yQ0PN8hbpH
— Tejas Gada (@tejas_gada9) July 25, 2020
Get Well Soon Xavi
A big setback for #AlSadd after their head coach and #Barcelona great #Xavi tests positive for #Covid19
Sadd are the defending champions and are reopening their campaign tonight.
Wish him speedy recovery 🙏#Qatar2022 #QSL #doha pic.twitter.com/Fq4WsQ2ZB4
— Mohammad Aminul Islam (@mdamins) July 25, 2020
Get Well Soon Maestro
#xavi has tested positive for #Covid19 GetwellSoonMaestro..🖤 pic.twitter.com/r2XgLehvpG
— منيف (@muneef_tweets) July 25, 2020
Get Well Soon Master
Get well soon master....#xavi #corona https://t.co/sDSP5SFoBc
— Jasjyot Singh (@burrrraaah) July 25, 2020
Get Well Soon Legend
Get well soon legend#Xavi
— Tabaَرk 🇮🇶 (@Tabark_iq) July 25, 2020
Earlier, this month, Xavi had quashed all rumours of a possible move to Barcelona as their head coach by extending his contract for a year at Al Sadd. Xavi, who played 17-years at Camp Nou, lifted 32 trophies with the Catalan giants before moving to Qatar in 2015.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2020 05:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).