Xavi - Breaking Records

As the soccer season is Spain goes by, Xavi Hernandez is nearing the 300 matches mark in the Primera division with FC Barcelona. The Catalan player renewed his contract, which now expires in 2014, and is looking to brake records in appearances in Blaugrana shirt.

Some believed it was unnecessary for his home club to offer him such a lengthy extension but any Barca fan will surely be pleased to see this player retire at the same place where he made his first footsteps.

Player himself spoke recently about his feat but stayed modest in his words: "A symbol of the club's history? Maybe I`ll start to think about these things when I retire. Because now, I'm just concentrated on winning more titles with the club"

First cap for Xavi came more than 10 years ago when Barca former manager, Louis van Gaal, gave him a chance vs. Mallorca when injuries of today's coach, Pep Guardiola, and Albert Celades prompted his debut. "I just thought about winning," Xavi recalls. Since then, began a brilliant career that saw him play in 299 matches and overtake the legends such as Joan Segarra and Juan Asensi

In his 10 years with FC Barcelona, Xavi won the national championship in 1999, 2005 and 2006. But the pinnacle of his career were the Champions League trophy and the European Championships title with Spain. So in a sense, the best year of his career finished only recently.

Last year, Xavi came fifth in the voting for the Golden Ball but soon will have his chance to add to his laurels. He travels Switzerland on Monday with Leo Messi as one of five finalists for the FIFA World Player. Spain`s Euro MVP, will be accompanied by his father and his bride, Elsa, and will surely take pride in the election.