Al-Arabi boss Dan Petrescu has claimed that Barcelona legend Xavi has signed a pre-contract agreement with his side.
A report in AS says that the midfielder’s agent met with Blaugrana sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, and they agreed to let the maestro leave Camp Nou two years before his contract is set to expire.
And talking to Romanian station DigiSport, the Coach of the Doha-based team revealed that the Spain international had put pen to paper on a deal.
“Xavi has signed a pre-contract with Al-Arabi even though he has received offers from other clubs,” Petrescu said.
“I personally contacted him about him joining us. The person who brought me to Al-Arabi is currently in Brazil but it’s difficult to confirm anything while he is taking part in the World Cup.
“Nevertheless I have been able to speak to him by phone and I asked him whether he would be interested in joining us. He’s an extraordinary guy, he seems very sensible – all of the great players are usually very modest, unassuming people.”
Xavi is set to earn between €8m-€10m per season with the move, and has agreed to stay for two years, with the option of a further two.