Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi has been appointed head coach of Qatari club Al Sadd SC.

The 39-year-old made more than 100 appearances for Al Sadd before retiring at the end of the 2018-19 season, three years after joining the club.

Al Sadd said on Twitter Xavi would replace Jesualdo Ferreira as manager at the start of next season.

In a statement released to Spanish news outlet AS, Xavi said: "My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona.

"I love seeing teams take the initiative on the field, attack football and return to the essence of what we all love from our childhood days - possession football."