Report: Barcelona's Xavi to sign with Qatari team

Xavi won't be taking the usual route of aging stars who travel across the pond to join Major League Soccer.

The Barcelona legend will instead reportedly begin the next chapter of his illustrious career in the Qatar Stars League after agreeing to a three-year contract with Al Sadd, according to Joaquin Maroto of Spanish publication AS.

Xavi will join the club after the end of the La Liga season. He has a chance to go out as a champion one last time, as Barcelona currently hold a four-point lead with 10 games remaining.

His deal with Al Sadd is reportedly worth €10 million and offers him a chance to attend the Aspire Academy, where he will study for his coaching licenses.

Earlier in the season, the Spanish international revealed he'd been close to signing with MLS side New York City FC following the 2013-14 season when he played a limited role with Barcelona.

He was actually so close to joining David Villa and Frank Lampard at the league's newest franchise that he'd packed his luggage in anticipation of a move to North America.

A deal never came to fruition and Xavi remained with the Catalan team, where he continues to play a supporting role off the bench.

- With h/t to ESPNFC