FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández gave an interview to ESPN Deportes. The original can be found here. Asked whether he tried to convince manager Pep Guardiola to stay, Xavi said, “I didn’t talk to him personally, as I know he is very reserved. He is our coach and we want all the best for him. I was convinced he would stay for one more year, but he has his reasons to leave. He knows we are with him through thick and thin, and that we would have loved him to stay at least one more year.”

Xavi explained Pep’s meaning for the team, and also expressed confidence in Tito Vilanova. Xavi is convinced Tito will do a great job, but he reckons it will be hard for Tito to surpass the titles won by his predecessor. ”We cannot guarantee we will win silverware, but we can guarantee we will fight for them and work really hard to get more for FC Barcelona“.

Xavi also commented on this season, which is about to finish, saying that “it started great, when we won both Supercopas, and the Clubs World Championship. Then we did ended up disappointed, losing La Liga at home, and the blow of Champions League series against Chelsea. We were better than them in both legs, but perhaps we didn’t have that bit of luck we have had in other seasons.”

Xavi also informed he will be travelling to Florida in July to conduct his famous “Campus Xavi”, which offers kids  an opportunity to learn methods and principles followed by FC Barcelona in football. “We have had the Campus since I started as a professional player at Barça, about 13 to 14 years ago, but only in Catalunya,” said Xavi. ”This time we will be doing it in the US too.” With this initiative Xavi wants to expand Barça’s way of living football. So, when asked about an advice for kids that dream to be like him, he said, “I just want the kids to enjoy themselves playing football, and that they can do it as much time as possible. Play, have fun, respect and take care the ball.”

If you happen to be in Florida in July, check out Xavi’s Campus details on www.campusxavi.com.

Photo credit: REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann