Xavi: 'I almost joined New York City FC'

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has admitted that he was 'extremely close' to joining New York City FC in the summer.

The veteran was widely expected to leave the Catalan outfit for the newly-formed MLS club in the summer window.

However, the 34-year-old has revealed that Barca boss Luis Enrique convinced him to remain at Camp Nou.

"We were almost there this summer, but it was Luis Enrique who convinced me to stay," Xavi told El Pais.

"We were already going. He was very clear: if you deserve it, you are going to play. As he has been for all his life, right? He was very honest."

Xavi's future will again be called into question at the end of this season.