Dubai: There were frenzied scenes at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai on Monday as football fans galore clamoured to meet one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Xavi Hernandez.
The former Barcelona and Spain midfielder opened the new GO-Sport store and met Adidas competition winners, while hundreds of other admirers turned out in force to catch a glimpse of the global icon.
The 35-year-old, who made the short trip to Dubai from Qatar, where he plays for Al Sadd, also tested out the latest edition of the Adidas Primeknit X and Ace football boots in the new Adidas skills cage in the store.
On meeting the 2010 World Cup winner, 13-year-old Katrina Webb, who plays for the girls’ Under-13 E-sports football academy team, said: “He is so chilled, he is an amazing player and a really friendly person to meet. Xavi is one of my favourite players to watch and I love how skilful he is.
“I learn a lot from watching him play.”
Saif Nahas, 12, who trains at the Spanish Soccer School in Dubai, added: “I think Xavi is the best player ever and I have always admired him. He is the best passer of the ball I have ever seen and scores amazing goals.
“I play in midfield and I always try and play like Xavi.”
Proving he is a favourite of even the youngest fans, competition winners Andrew Kelaita, nine, and his six-year-old sister Gabi Kelaita said it was a dream come true to meet their idol. “Xavi is my hero. He was my favourite player at Barcelona and it’s amazing to meet him.”
Xavi’s visit courtesy of Adidas was the second time in two months that the sports giant has brought a football superstar to Dubai.
In September, the former England captain David Beckham helped open the firm’s new home court concept store, also in Mall of the Emirates.
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