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Xavi Hernandez, better known simply as ‘Xavi’, is an instantly recognisable name - an iconic face of a generation.

The Spain and Barcelona legend is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders to have graced the game; a true master of his craft.

At the age of 36, he now resides in Qatar, playing out the remainder of his illustrious career at Al Saad FC.

Spending the entirety of his prime years at Barcelona, Xavi clocked up 505 La Liga appearances for the Catalan club. Despite never having played in the Premier League, Xavi is open in his admiration for the English game.

Speaking in this month’s FourFourTwo magazine, he explains: “English football has always been in Spain’s retina. England breathes football in a way Spain doesn’t. In England, a footballer is like a god.”

A reference, perhaps, to legendary Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler who famously holds the nickname ‘God’ with Liverpool supporters. Xavi reminisces about a certain Kop icon who caught his attention throughout his youth.

“I remember watching John Barnes at Liverpool - wow, what a player he was.”

During his playing career, Xavi encountered Liverpool on several occasions in Europe, including the Reds’ memorable 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou in 2007, with goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise cancelling out Deco’s opener. Liverpool remain the only English side ever to beat Barcelona on away soil.

Recalling Barcelona’s 3-1 victory against the Reds some years earlier in November 2001, Xavi describes the Anfield atmosphere: “The fans remained for the whole game and never stopped applauding their team. I couldn’t believe it. I was speechless.”

Speaking of this summer’s upcoming European Championship to be held in France, Xavi talks up England’s chances, claiming the Three Lions “could be an outside bet at the Euros”. Discussing the talent at Roy Hodgson’s disposal, Xavi references Adam Lallana as a key man, describing the Hertfordshire-born Liverpool midfielder as “quality”.

Having worked with the likes of Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola at club level, and with Vincent del Bosque for the national side, Xavi has played under some of the most successful managers in the sport.

Few players, therefore, are better qualified to judge managerial credentials than the vastly experienced Spaniard.

Ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first leg clash between Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is the focus he makes a romantic return to his former club.

The German holds legendary status among Dortmund supporters, bringing two Bundesliga titles to the club and he has already developed a strong bond with Liverpool fans with his charismatic demeanour in his first six months in charge on Merseyside.

Xavi provides a glowing endorsement of Klopp, describing the German simply as “a phenomenon”. High praise from a player of Xavi’s credentials, but such is Klopp’s reputation in Europe that he commands respect from such influential’s figures.

A strong Liverpool connection was present in the victory of Xavi’s former side Barcelona over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Camp Nou on Tuesday night.

Two goals from Luis Suarez completed an impressive 2-1 comeback after Fernando Torres had opened the scoring, only to be sent off for two yellow cards, perhaps a pivotal moment in the tie.

The May issue of FourFourTwo is in the shops now