DOHA: Barcelona legend and coach Xavi Hernandez on Friday said he is 'happy to be part of Al Sadd side' after his players won the Amir Cup by beating Al Arabi 2-1 in the final.
Feared Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah (4 and 45) struck two goals as Al Sadd delivered a memorable performance against a spirited Al Arabi side.
Iceland's central midfielder Aron Gunnarsson (23) scored the only goal for Al Arabi coached by Heimir Hallgrímsson.
The 2020 Amir Cup final was held at the new 2022 World Cup venue named Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, the Supreme Committee for Deliver & Legacy confirmed on Friday.
"Yes, I want to congratulate the country and their people on their National Day. We are happy that we won the title. It is a well-deserving win. I have to congratulate Al Arabi for a good fight and for reaching the final," Xavi, 40, said on Friday.
"I told players before the final that it is never easy to win big matches. I want to congratulate supporters of this big club," the 2010 World Cup winner with Spain added.
"The mission is complete, yes. We want to compete in every big competition like the AFC Champions League," Xavi said.
"I think we are the biggest club (in Qatar) and let's see what happens in AFC Champions League (next year). We must try to do better than last time. We have a big squad and I am happy to be part of this successful side," he added.
Xavi ended his football career at Al Sadd before deciding to switch his role as a player to coach last year.
It is a first Amir Cup title victory for Xavi as coach after Al Sadd’s title victories in Sheikh Jassim Cup, Qatar Cup and the Ooredoo Cup last year.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com