Barca player Xavi turned down Real Madrid offer

Barcelona playmaker Xavi Hernandez revealed he turned down a chance to sign with Spanish rival Real Madrid early in his career.

In an interview with Onda Cero radio, the Spain midfielder said he studied ''an important offer'' from Madrid during his youth academy days. Xavi considered the proposal as he thought it would be tough to break into the topflight team.

''The team was set, Pep (Guardiola) was in that position, so it was a complicated moment and it was an important offer - economically and in football terms,'' Xavi said.

Xavi has spent his entire career Barcelona, helping to guide it to 13 major trophies since his debut in 1998.

Xavi, who turned 31 on Tuesday, was shortlisted for FIFA's Ballon d'Or as player of the year after helping guide European champion Spain to a World Cup triumph last season.