Championship side Brighton have a new fan… Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi

BARCELONA legend Xavi has revealed his support for Brighton as spoke of his love for English football once again.

The 36-year-old is one of the most decorated players in the game, winning numerous Champions League and La Liga titles with Barca and the World Cup and European Championship twice with Spain.

Xavi left the Nou Camp last year to join Qatari outfit Al Sadd, but the move to Middle East has not stopped him from keeping up-to-date with the English game.

The midfielder has spoken of his support for Middlesbrough and fondness of the Championship, but following Boro’s promotion last season, he now follows another side.

Xavi said: “I followed because of Karanka, but I was so impressed by the crowds that watched even in the lower divisions. I remember being impressed by some of the football that Brighton played, so maybe I can follow them.

“I have always watched a lot of English football, and the players I first remember really admiring were John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, and Matt Le Tissier, they had so much ability and are still among my favourite ever players now.”

As a keen fan of the lower leagues, Xavi could not hide his admiration for the following clubs receive outside the Premier League.

“At the top I think it is quite similar, but lower down the leagues it is different.

“I was impressed with the crowds in the Championship, but I know even in League One and League Two you can get thousands of fans at the game, in Spain that would be in the hundreds.”

He also revealed how he used to love the classic duels between Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United back in the day.

But he is even more excited about the latest rivalry developing in the top flight.

Xavi, speaking to Shortlist, added: “There was a point for a few seasons that every Arsenal v Manchester United game was a brilliant. Not only because of players like Henry, Vieira, Pires, Giggs, Scholes, Keane were all playing, but they were also full of such passion and intensity.

“Manchester United vs Manchester City has always been a special game, but with Pep and Jose Mourinho now there, is has taken it to another level.”