MI CAPITA, MI CAPITA

My love for soccer came late in life nearly five years ago during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. What captivated me most about watching the game then was the controlled possession of the Spanish National Team.

If that team had an architect or a soul, it would belong to Xavi Hernandez. This is why I was so saddened to hear today that Xavi decided to retire from Barca, his club for the past 25 years.

What has Xavi meant to Spanish football and to Barca? Everything. He helped the Spanish team win its first World Cup and two consecutive European Championships as bookends to the World Cup win. For Barca, he was even more prolific, winning 22 trophies over a 17 year career with the first team as the team's #6, or central midfielder. However, it was Xavi's control and discipline more than the silverware that will leave an even more lasting imprint.

It is clear that Barca's style of tiki-taka, or quick-passing, possession-based, attacking football would not have been possible without Xavi pulling the strings. His vision of the game, his use of space, and his anticipation of his teammates' movements is unrivaled. Indeed, people called Xavi "Chameleon Eyes" because it was as though he could see in all directions at once! Similarly, it was not a surprise when Xavi was the unanimous choice to replace Barca legend Carles Puyol as Capita, or captain, when Puyol retired.

Do not take my word for Xavi's greatness. Here is what his teammate Dani Alves had to say, "While we live in the present. Xavi lives in the future, He thinks ahead of everyone else and he tries to makes everything so much easier." His partner in crime in midfield Andres Iniesta said this, "I have run out of compliments for him. There is no one who can compare to what he represents as a person and player." Finally, his Spanish National Team teammate and Real Madrid rival Iker Casillas said, "People ask me every year who I'd take out of the Barcleona team to give us a better chance of winning, and every year I tell them the same: Xavi. His control and use of the ball make him their best player."

We celebrate Xavi tonight, but both he and we cules realize there is more work to be done this season. We play the final League match of the season this Saturday. Then, we will play the Copa del Rey Final and the Champions League Final over the next two weeks.

Let's make it 3/3 for our Captain and Legend!

Visca Xavi! #6racies! Simply the best!