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Mourinho on Xavi: 'He deserves ... what he will never have - a Ballon d'Or success'

Alex Morton / Reuters

Xavi is departing Barcelona with 23 trophies, a remarkable feat even by the Catalan club's standards.

One trophy that eluded the 35-year-old midfielder, however, is the Ballon d'Or.

Although his name was on the ballot a number of times, Xavi consistently found himself beaten out by teammate Lionel Messi, something most supporters would agree is understandable, but Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes is criminal.

"Xavi is one of the world's best players over the past decade and he deserves to win what he will never have - a Ballon d'Or success," said Mourinho at a press conference Saturday, according to Spanish daily Marca.

It was confirmed Thursday that Xavi will be joining Qatari side Al-Sadd on a two-year contract.

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