FC Barcelona's player Xavi Hernandez waves before a news conference at Joan Gamper training camp, near Barcelona August 5, 2014. Spain midfielder Xavi has retired from internationals at the age of 34, he said on Tuesday. The Barcelona player represen
FC Barcelona's player Xavi Hernandez waves before a news conference at Joan Gamper training camp, near Barcelona August 5, 2014. Spain midfielder Xavi has retired from internationals at the age of 34, he said on Tuesday. The Barcelona player represented his country a record 133 times and helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. REUTERS

Xavi Hernandez, at 34 years old, knows he’s at the twilight of his football career but he’d like to spend the rest of it with the only professional club that he has played for.

“If it was up to me I’d never leave Barcelona but these things are decided by circumstances,” Xavi said in an interview with Football Espana on Thursday.

Xavi’s intent to stay is more than understandable as he played for Barcelona since he was age 11. Even at a very young age player he was already playing for La Masia, Barcelona youth academy squad.

Xavi admitted that there were past opportunities when he could have left the Spanish club but admitted that he is emotionally-attached to the team,

“I’ve had chances to leave several times but my feelings always mind up my mind.”

“I told them I didn’t want to play for another club against Barcelona and would like to end my career here,” Xavi said in the interview which will be broadcasted on a later date via Canal+.

However, Xavi understands that changes within the club and as well as the rise of younger players will eventually force Barca to re-consider their option on Xavi, whose contract with the team ends in 2016.

The rising stars include Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta whom Xavi described as “the best player in history” and “the most naturally talented Spanish footballer ever”, respectively.

Xavi has played in 475 matches for Barcelona’s senior squad and has a total of 536 appearances overall. Internationally, he was the first Barca player to suit up in 150 matches in international tournaments.