Al Sadd's coach Xavi Hernandez arrives ahead of the AFC Champions League Group D match between Iran's Foolad and Qatar's Al-Sadd at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh on April 26, 2021. (FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP)

MADRID - Former FC Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez revealed in an interview with the La Vanguardia newspaper, which was published in Spain on Saturday, that he had twice turned down the chance to coach the club where he was an icon as a player, saying that the time had not come for him to return to the Camp Nou.

Xavi, who is currently coaching Al Sadd in Qatar, sadi he has "renewed two years" with the club. 

For better or for worse, I have said no to Barcelona twice ...  And it was difficult to do that, because I am a Barca fan, but it was not the time ...

Xavi Hernandez, Coach of Qatari club Al Saad

"I am very comfortable and open to other club offers but I am taking things calmly."

"My priority now is family and I don't feel the need to leave. I am learning and I am fine the way I am," he added.

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Xavi said that besides coaching Al Sadd, he was "involved in a very beautiful project, which is not just Al Sadd, but also the Qatar World Cup."

"I will have an important role," he said.

Xavi's recent arrival at Barcelona airport, accompanied by more than 20 suitcases, had prompted speculation that returning Barca president, Joan Laporta, would name him as the replacement for Ronald Koeman this summer, although Koeman was confirmed as coach for next season by Laporta on Thursday.

READ MORE: Barca president confirms Koeman will continue as coach next season

"I landed at Barcelona, the press were waiting for me and as soon as I arrived, people started sending me messages... But first there is a coach who is Koeman, who must be respected, and secondly I am not in any hurry (to coach Barca)," he commented.

"For better or for worse, I have said no to Barcelona twice, due to different circumstances, family, professional, contractual... And it was difficult to do that, because I am a Barca fan, but it was not the time. Barca came for me, but it was not the moment," Xavi said, adding that when the chance comes again, "I will value it and then decide."