Spain

Xavi: I Would Not Pick Up The Phone To Talk To Florentino Perez

The midfielder has answered questions about Barcelona, Spain, and also the characters in the national team...

Jun 23, 2009 7:21:25 PM

Barcelona's Xavi firmly focussed on the Champions League final as he trains at the Olimpico

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Barcelona's Xavi firmly focussed on the Champions League final as he trains at the Olimpico

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Barcelona midfielder Xavi has revealed that he would not pick up the phone to talk to Florentino Perez as he would not be happy in Madrid.

The Spanish star has been with the Catalans since he was a youngster and has developed into one of their most important players in the centre of the pitch.

Despite all the cash that Perez is flashing at Real Madrid since being re-elected as president at the Bernabeu, Xavi assured fans that he would not consider switching.

"I would not pick up the phone to Florentino Perez. I would not be happy in Madrid, I have a lot of cule in me and it is very well established. But ok, if he wants to pay the conference call," he joked in an interview with El Pais.

With regard to all the money Perez is spending at Madrid, Xavi revealed that he thinks "it is good for the Spanish league and for the competitiveness between Barcelona and Madrid".

Asked about Barcelona's own plans this summer and how he would like a front line including David Villa and Franck Ribery, Xavi declared that they would fit in well.

"Villa and Ribery are top quality players and they would adapt well at Barca. We also have [Thierry] Henry, [Samuel] Eto'o and Bojan [Krkic]," he mused.

Of more immediate concern for Xavi though is Spain's game against the United States in the Confederations Cup tomorrow, which could take them through to a final against Brazil.

"It will not be easy. Even though they do not have much history, they made life hard for us in a friendly in Santander. [Jozy] Altidore, [Michael] Bradley and [Landon] Donovan are good players," he said.

"I hope that Brazil would be our opponents [if we make it to the final]. We would like to compete with them and we would not lose our style, the feel, the triangles and the possession to win games."

As well as the actions on the pitch, Xavi spoke about those off it, revealing who are the jokers in the Spanish squad.

"There are many funny players; Pepe Reina, [Dani] Guiza, El Guaje [David Villa], me...The intellectual is [Carlos] Marchena, the big eater, Pepe Reina of course, the sleepy-heads, [Cesc] Fabregas and [Gerard] Pique, and the womaniser, Sergio Ramos," he declared.

Finally, the much-lauded midfielder was asked about whether he is ever disappointed not to receive individual awards.

"I represent the collective play and these awards are for people who completely change games. Therefore I am used to not having many votes," he concluded.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com