02.01.2011 21:20

Xavi: “I feel privileged”

Roger Bogunyà

Xavi Hernández told the ‘El Marcador’ show on Barça TV how it feels to have equalled Migueli’s record number of appearances, and described what a pleasure it is to play for Barça at the moment.

Xavi has been in the Barcelona first team for thirteen seasons, and although he has lived through the good times, he has also endured bad ones. “People are enjoying Barça. We have won titles and we’ll try to win more, but I have also suffered bad times” he said. “You can’t put a price on being loved so much in your own home. I have also been criticised, but I always wanted to triumph here.” And there can be no arguing that he has done just that.

Surprise tribute

On the tribute paid to him after the game, Xavi said “I wasn’t expecting it. They didn’t tell me a thing. But when I’m not in control of a situation, I get nervous. Today I felt very much the focus of people’s attention”.

Asked if he suspects anybody will beat his own record, Xavi replied that “Víctor and Andrés are still young and I’m sure they can beat me.” Then he laughingly added that “Carles is two years older than me, so it’s not so easy for him.”

Difficult game

As for the game, Levante proved a lot trickier than many had expected. “They had just lost 8-0 at the Bernabéu and played it tight at the back. And the picth wasn’t too good either … But once you’ve scored, you feel lñiberated. The first goal changed the game. It came a bit late, but at least it came”.