"Him playing that many games probably cost Portugal...": Ex-England international slams Cristiano Ronaldo after achieving personal milestone
Jordi Cruyff appointed to crucial position in Barcelona as Xavi awaits dinner invitation
Jordi Cruyff had been working in the role since July, but his appointment as Barcelona sporting director of football was made official on Friday.
![Jordi Cruyff appointed Barcelona sporting director of football as head coach Xavi praises Dutchman Jordi Cruyff appointed Barcelona sporting director of football as head coach Xavi praises Dutchman](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/1hjs50s83vmhq1dxxcbscccvls.jpg?width=180&quality=60)
Jordi Cruyff officially became Barcelona's sporting director of football on Friday in a move described by coach Xavi as "a great decision from the club".
The Dutchman, son of Barcelona great Johan Cruyff and a former player himself for the Blaugrana, was brought back to Camp Nou by president Joan Laporta last year to take up a strategic role in the football operation.
Now, Cruyff has signed a deal to be the club's sporting director of football, working in tandem with Mateu Alemany, who already holds down a similar role.
Cruyff had been operating in his new role for several weeks, prior to putting pen to paper.
Barcelona announced in a statement: "Jordi Cruyff has signed his contract as FC Barcelona's new sporting director of football. He has already been serving in the role since July 1.
"An FC Barcelona player from 1993 to 1996, he returned to the club last season as director of the international area of the football section and played a key role in the two most recent transfer windows as a member of the sporting commission."
Xavi believes 48-year-old Cruyff can bring a positive influence to bear after being handed increased responsibility.
A former coach of Chinese Super League side Shenzhen, Cruyff will be taking decisions that directly affect Xavi and the first team.
Xavi said: "First of all, I'm going to ask if he can invite me for dinner to celebrate this. I've very happy for him but also for us.
"He is a very capable person, very intelligent, he knows a lot about football; he is very loyal to me personally but also to the entire staff.
"It is a great decision from the club, I back it 100 per cent. I've always said many times, whether it's me here as a coach or not, both Mateu and Jordi are fantastic in the role and for the club."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Sports Tak Staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Popular Posts
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T181013063Z620307/20240906T181013063Z620307_400_225.webp)
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T122704308Z364366/20240906T122704308Z364366_400_225.webp)
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Argentina thrashed Chile as star player misses out due to injury
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240906T094236506Z855858/20240906T094236506Z855858_400_225.webp)
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo gets overwhelmed with emotions after scoring 900th goal of his career during Nations League clash against Croatia
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240905T185335759Z066257/20240905T185335759Z066257_400_225.webp)
Alex Morgan retires: United States women’s national team stalwart Alex Morgan announces retirement after illustrious career
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T200050236Z257429/20240904T200050236Z257429_400_225.webp)
Ballon d'Or 2024: Jude Bellingham to Erling Halaand, check stars that made it into Ballon d'Or 2024 shortlist
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T195505773Z117051/20240904T195505773Z117051_400_225.webp)
First time in 21 years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed from Ballon d'Or shortlist
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T155722168Z586223/20240904T155722168Z586223_400_225.webp)
UEFA Nations League 2024: Full Match Schedule and all you need to know, Where you can watch it in India?
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T145529824Z170088/20240904T145529824Z170088_400_225.webp)
UEFA Nations League - Denmark vs Switzerland: Preview, Prediction, and Betting Tips
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240904T051154046Z746808/20240904T051154046Z746808_400_225.webp)
'Boring for spectators. Good thing is this is the worst we can play': Coach Marquez after India's disappointing draw against 179th ranked Mauritius
![](https://image.thesportstak.com/images/cms/articles/20240903T043802555Z098213/20240903T043802555Z098213_400_225.webp)
Uruguay legend Luis Suarez announces retirement ahead of FIFA WC qualifiers clash in emotional press conference