Xavi will donate 100,000 Euros to the Red Cross

Before the game tonight, Xavi Hernandez will hand over the cheque that UEFA are presenting him, as captain of the Team of the Year for 2011.

Tonight, before the game against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, UEFA will deliver, via the hands of a member of the Executive Committee, Peter Gilliéron, a cheque for 100,000 Euros to Xavi Hernadez, as the prize voted for by internet users, as captain of the Team of the Year for 2011. The midfielder from FC Barcelona will donate this money to the International Committee of the Red Cross, earmarked for the campaign 'Goals for the Red Cross', a project for the rehabilitation of victims of landmines in Afghanistan.

Xavi recognized that it is "an honor to be part of the team and also be the captain. I am very pleased to represent European and World football, and this time we are helping people who need it most, and it makes me very proud". The Barça player, very conscious of the need to help people most in need, added: "It is really important to help. We are very privileged people doing what we do, which is also our passion. Being a footballer is my job, but it's also my 'hobby' and my passion. I am very proud to be able to help people in need".

The FC Barcelona midfielder was voted for by over 100,000 users of the UEFA website as captain of the Team of the Year for 2011. In addition to these hundred thousand votes, the Barça player received 262,027, which allowed him to form part of the midfield of this ideal team. Xavi was not the only Barça player in the starting eleven, because also in the team were Alves, Piqué, Iniesta, and Messi, plus the manager, Pep Guardiola. (via FCBarcelona.com)