In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen โ the most complete โ is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesnโt give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
XaviI liked the Paul Ince and Roy Keane partnership Manchester United had. They would have been my team had I moved to England.
XaviIn football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
XaviIn England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left it would have been to England.
XaviThe atmosphere generated by the fans in Celtic's stadium for our visit was the most impressive I've ever witnessed. The grounds of Liverpool and Manchester United are good and the hostile feeling of playing against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu is also excellent, but the atmosphere against Celtic was the best.
Xavi