On Friday, Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez was photographed taking pictures with fans in Qatar, just a day after news broke of his summer move to the Qatari side Al Sadd.

It is not yet known why the former Spain international was in the sovereign Arab country, and an announcement of his decision to join Al Sadd is still not expected to take place until the summer.

On Thursday, it was widely reported Xavi was poised to sign a three-year contract with Al Sadd at the end of the season, with the 35-year-old is set to receive a salary of £7.4 million a year.

While there, Xavi will form part of the first team squad and take over the role former Real Madrid legend Raul had been fulfilling with Al Sadd, before the striker moved on to the New York Cosmos.

In Qatar, Xavi will also study for his coaching badges at the Aspire Academy, which is developing players for the 2022 World Cup.

The veteran Barcelona player emerged from the club’s famed youth academy, La Masia, and has made over 700 appearances for La Blaugrana over seventeen seasons.

He is widely considered one of the most prolific passers in football and has played a key role in Barcelona’s domestic and European conquests.

During his time at the club, Xavi has won seven La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and three Champions League titles.

The midfielder has also earned 133 international caps with Spain and was an integral part of the national side which won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.