Football: Xavi officially retires from football after playing his final game in the ACL

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez officially bid farewell to an illustrious playing career on Monday at Tehran's Azadi stadium with Al Sadd although his side lost 2-0 to Persepolis FC in their final group game of the 2019 AFC Champions League. Al Sadd had already booked a spot in the Round of 16 of the ACL, but the club could not present the perfect parting gift for one of world football's modern greats. The Round of 16 matches in the West Zone are slated to be held in the month of August, however, Xavi will not be taking field for the Qatar Stars League club then but could well be coaching the side as he is expected to take over from Jesualdo Ferreira as the head coach of Al Sadd in the summer. The Spanish midfielder is Barcelona's all-time record appearance-holder in La Liga with 505 caps and also in all competitions with 769 appearances. He won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies during his 17-year-stay in Catalonia.