02 Dec 2015
Doha, 2 December 2015. In collaboration with Marca newspaper and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Aspire Academy hosted on Wednesday, December 2 2015 a ceremony to present football star Xavi Hernandez with the “MARCA LEYENDA” award, which is granted by the esteemed Spanish sport newspaper Marca to sports legends from around the world.
Officials from Marca newspaper, Aspire Academy and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy attended the event, amongst a local and international media presence.
In a speech during the event, Spanish football team coach Vicente del Bosque said: “I am proud to be here to congratulate Xavi on this well-deserved award. I have known him for a long time, and can confidently say that he is a great leader and role model to his colleagues, who have benefitted immensely from his guidance and advice. I would like to congratulate him on well-earned career, and wish him all the best”.
From his side, Juan Ignacio of Marca newspaper said: “I would like to thank Aspire Academy and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy for hosting us in Qatar in our first time to be holding this ceremony outside of Spain. Xavi has an extraordinary talent, and he has made a great difference in the world of football, whether through his time with different football clubs or the Spanish national team. We are honoured to be granting this award to such a legend”.
Markus Egger, Director of Sports at Aspire Academy, said: “I would like to thank everyone for joining us today, and I would like to congratulate Xavi on this well-deserved award. He is a great role model that all athletes can learn from, as he exemplifies how legends rise not just through their talent, but their discipline, behaviour and passion as well”.
Xavi concluded the event by saying: “I’m truly honoured to be granted this prestigious award, and I’m very proud to be joining the other football legends who have received it through the years”. On his experience and stay in Qatar, Xavi added: “I’ve had a great experience in Qatar so far, and would like to thank Qatar, Aspire Academy and Al Sadd football club for giving me this opportunity”.