UEFA.com gave football enthusiasts an opportunity to send questions for FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez through Twitter. The response, the site noted, was tremendous. From the thousand entries, six lucky users saw their questions chosen. They range from whether he thinks Thiago is his successor and which player and manager he would he have liked to play alongside. Excerpts from the interview after the jump. The complete Q&A can be read here.

@effyschoice: What do you have to say to all those who compare Thiago with you? Is he the new Xavi?

“I would prefer that they didn’t tell him that, so he is not under pressure – he should be himself. I have experienced comparisons and it is not a good thing. He needs to be who he is – he’s a spectacular player and has great qualities to become a real star, as he is showing. He is an important player at Barcelona, playing a lot of games this year and he will certainly have a very bright future.”

@jeheardy: Name one player and manager past or present that you wish you could have played alongside or with?

“I would like to have played with [Zinédine] Zidane or Ronaldo. I have been lucky enough to play for Barcelona and the national team so I have worked with many top players as well as great people and coaches who have taught me well. I would have liked to be trained by Cruyff to see how he worked, because I have heard so many great things. You always want to meet great stars and personalities in the world of football.”

Image credit: Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images