Barcelona Has spent three seasons with Al Sadd

With retirement just around the corner, Xavi Hernandez can reflect on a quite stupendous career, which includes his stint in Qatar with Al Sadd.

Discussing life in the country which will host the 2022 World Cup, he has made clear that, despite there being no real democracy in Qatar, the people are happy.

"It's true there is no democracy in Qatar, but the people are happy," he explained in an interview with La Vanguardia.

"They are delighted with the royal family, they take their photographs in the car.

"They give them a salary just for living in the country and they take care of their citizens."

Looking back at politics in his homeland, Friday saw another vote in Catalonia with regards to the independence process, however the former Blaugrana midfielder believes that the repeated elections have caused tension.

"There has been tension, people have taken to the streets," he admitted.

"I'm in favour of the right to decide, what is the problem?

"We have voted again and there is a clear majority who want the referendum.

"Sometimes I worry that if I speak out, I will be criticised in Madrid."

As the winter break approaches, Los Cules sit at the top of LaLiga, 14 points clear of Real Madrid, and Xavi feels as though his former club are so far ahead of other teams.

"Barcelona are no longer playing football, it's almost as if they are playing another sport," he joked.

"Only Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are playing such a neat style of football.

"Barcelona always choose the most difficult route.

"They take into account space on the pitch and play bravely."

Ernesto Valverde's arrival at the club was met with muted excitement from supporters, especially when Jorge Sampaoli was seemingly available at the same time, however the former Athletic Club coach has presided over a quite phenomenal start to the season.

Xavi feels as though he is perfectly suited to the Blaugrana's style.

"Valverde fits into the Barcelona model, 100 percent," he intimated.

"He has revitalised the club's style.

"The positional game is much better and Messi is at the centre of everything.

"They attack spaces and Paulinho is a threat from deep."

With a 3-0 win over Real Madrid in Saturday's Clasico, life certainly is sweet for Barcelona right now.