Unpleasant surprise for Spain’s football icon Xavi: The coach of FC Barcelona, future boss of world footballer Robert Lewandowski, might not fly to the USA with the Catalans as planned on Saturday. Because he was in Iran three times as a player for Al Sadd/Qatar, he needs a special permit from the US authorities.
The world and European champion played his last game as an active player in the Iranian capital, Tehran. Barça initially confirmed problems on Friday, but announced that there was a solution. But on Saturday, 42-year-old Xavi was unable to board the plane that was supposed to take him to the United States.
Also Lewa with a delay
According to media reports, the Barça coach wants to leave for Miami on Monday. The arrival in Florida should be such that the former midfield strategist can be back in action in time for his team’s final training session ahead of Tuesday night’s friendly once morest Inter Miami.
The Barça side included new signings Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie. On the other hand, it is expected that Lewandowski, who was committed on Saturday night, will only join his new team during the course of the US tour.
On July 24, Barcelona will play another friendly in the United States once morest arch-rivals and Champions League winners Real Madrid. On July 27th, Italy’s record champions Juventus Turin will be the opponents, and on July 31st they will face the New York Red Bulls.
Barça had agreed with Bayern Munich on Saturday night to transfer Lewandowski for a fee of 45 million euros and bonus payments of up to five million euros. (AFP)
