Xavi: 'I considered joining Bayern Munich'

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has revealed that he came close to joining Bundesliga side Bayern Munich earlier in his career, but opted to stay in Spain.

Xavi said that then Barca and now Bayern coach Pep Guardiola convinced him that he could achieve the success he wanted at the Catalan side.

"Pep took me and told me that I could not go, that the Barca he had in mind would turn around if some players committed, including myself," he told El Mundo Deportivo.

"It was another good decision because my desire is to retire at Barca."

Guardiola took over at Bayern at the end of last season.