Spanish World Cup winner Xavi has revealed that he has a real fondness for the Football League, claiming that he even keeps a close eye on Middlesbrough's results.
The Smoggies are managed by ex-Real Madrid coach Aitor Karanka, who has transformed the North-East outfit into real challengers at the top end of the Championship during his two years at the club.
Xavi, who brought an end to his illustrious 17-year Barcelona career in June, describes the level of support in England's lower tiers - including at the likes of Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United - as being "incredible".
"I follow Middlesbrough because Aitor Karanka is there," one of the game's most decorated midfielder players told ESPN. "Brighton are top of their league. I met a boy the other day. English. He was wearing a Barca shirt but I asked him who he supported. He said: 'Sheffield United'.
"I know them - they have 20,000 fans in the third division. That's incredible. You get that in England. I watched some of a game with Charlton the other day. There was football on television, yet the stadium was packed with supporters. Incredible. If that was in Catalonia, Olot vs. Reus, then there were would be a few people there and the families of the players."
Xavi picked up 133 caps during his international career with Spain, which came to an end in 2014 following La Roja's World Cup disappointment.
Daniel Lewis
