FCBARCELONA.CAT

01.07.2008 19:41

Xavi: “It has brought morale and confidence”

www.fcbarcelona.cat

As well as being named European Champion with Spain, Xavi was named the best player in the tournament, and the man from Terrassa says that brings “huge personal satisfaction and great recognition”.

He arrived at El Prat airport on Tuesday along with Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fàbregas, and it was here that he was approached for comments on his homecoming.

“Great recognition”

Xavi said he was “very happy to be named and also because the team won” and is aware of how important an honour it is to be designated as the best player in the competition. “It is a reward for my career” he said. “Although I have always said that I depend on my colleagues and I have had the ideal colleague to play football with.”

Morale and confidence

Xavi does not see why this should affect his role at Barça but does think it will mean a boost to his confidence, “I already carry plenty of weight among the squad. This title has given me more confidence to press on and win more titles”.

How they did it

“We played great football, and our philosophy was to play attacking football and always using the ball well” said Xavi when asked why he felt Spain had had such a marvellous time in Switzerland and Austria. “I think we were the best team and we showed through that in the end.”