(Reuters) - Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez is set to retire at the end of the season and is keen to pursue a coaching career.
The 37-year-old, who won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues trophies at Barcelona, is currently captain of Qatari club Al-Sadd.
Xavi, renowned for controlling play from a central position, said his ability to recover after a game was declining.
"I've had luck not to be injured and I think my career has come towards its end, there's been a descent," he told Spanish newspaper Sport.
"Qatar allowed me this. Now I see myself being more tired, it's harder to recover, it will surely be my last year of being a footballer.
"I have the idea of getting my coaching licence next year and being a coach."
Xavi collected 133 caps for Spain during a 14-year international career, winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
