Barcelona legend Xavi has revealed why he turned down Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Xavi established himself as one of the world's finest midfielders over the course of a 17-year spell at Camp Nou.

Despite overtures from other clubs, including United, the World Cup winner said he could never leave his boyhood club.

"Manchester United approached me once through Sir Alex Ferguson's brother, but my answer was very quick," Xavi told The Times.

"I was focused on Barca, my priority was only Barca. I am a fan from the very inside of myself and that's why was impossible for me to leave.

"Now I see it differently. Everyone tells me that the Premier League is wonderful, a great league to work in. First of all, for the passion with how they live the game. How they treat and respect you, the atmosphere and the stadiums.

"So why not? I could see myself [managing] in England, definitely, it's one of the things I'd like to experience in my career."