Barcelona hero Samuel Eto'o admits he's urged Xavi to return to the Nou Camp before Lionel Messi retires.

Al Sadd coach Xavi turned down the job at Barca over the New Year ahead of Quique Setien replacing Ernesto Valverde.

And Eto'o says he's since spoken to Xavi about returning to the Blaugrana.

He revealed, "I told Xavi that whatever happens he must return to Barça - and I told him he must do it while the football god is still there.

"He played with him (Messi), and that will make it easier for him than anyone else."