Xavi: 'It's the right time for me to leave Barcelona'

Barcelona playmaker Xavi has insisted that the time is right for him to move on after spending 17 glittering years at the Camp Nou.

The 35-year-old, who has won 23 trophies with the Catalan giants, announced this afternoon his decision to leave and confirmed that he will join Qatari side Al Sadd on a two-year deal.

The Spaniard revealed in today's press conference that Barcelona offered him a new deal, but the midfielder has admitted that the lack of playing time on offer contributed to his decision to leave.

"I would like to thank the club that has trusted me for so long," Xavi told reporters. "In these last few weeks they offered a contract renewal until 2018 but the decision was already taken.

"Last summer was perhaps too soon. I had two great disappointments - one with the national team and the other with Barca. The club has offered me a fantastic renewal deal, but I think that it's time to go. I don't have the minutes that I'd like. I don't feel like I did before. It's time."

Xavi has made more than 750 appearances for the La Liga side following his debut in 1998.