Barcelona ace Xavi admits he came close to joining AC Milan as a youngster. As he prepares to ink a new six-year contract at Barca, Xavi recalled: "After winning the U20 World Cup in Nigeria, I was training with the Spain U21s and I remember how the chance came to sign with Milan.

"My father and my agent were involved. I spoke to (Adriano) Galliani and he offered me twice the money I was getting at Barca.

"But my family and especially my mother, who was the most against this move, were decisive in me choosing to stay."