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.

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Xavi Confirms He Has Tested Positive for COVID-19

 

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Avui no podré acompanyar el meu equip en la tornada a la competició oficial. David Prats, entrenador del filial de l’@alsaddsc, ocuparà el meu lloc com a cap de l’equip tècnic. Fa uns dies, seguint el protocol de @qsl, vaig donar positiu en l’últim test COVID19. Afortunadament em trobo perfectament, però seguint el protocol, continuaré aïllat fins que ho hagi superat. Quan els serveis mèdics m’ho permetin, m’incorporaré a la meva rutina i feina diàries amb més ganes que mai. Agraeixo a totes les autoritats, especialment als responsables de @qsl, @qfa i d’ @alsaddsc per posar a la nostra disposició tots els mitjans per a una detecció precoç que eviti més contagis i garanteixi el desenvolupament normal de la competició. Una abraçada i ens veiem aviat als camps de futbol! ⚽ _____ Hoy no podré acompañar al equipo en la vuelta a la competición oficial. En mi lugar y a la cabeza del staff técnico estará David Prats - entrenador del equipo filial de @alsaddsc - Hace unos días y siguiendo el protocolo de @qsl di positivo en el último test COVID19 que me realizaron. Afortunadamente me encuentro en perfecto estado pero, siguiendo el protocolo, aislado hasta que lo haya superado. Cuando las autoridades sanitarias me lo permitan, me incorporaré a mi rutina y trabajo diarios con más ganas que nunca. Agradezco a todas las autoridades y en especial a los responsables de @qsl, @qfa y de @alsaddsc el poner a nuestra disposición todos los medios para una detección precoz que evite mayores contagios y garantice un desarrollo normal de la competición. Un abrazo y nos vemos pronto en los campos de fútbol! ⚽️

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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.

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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).