Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Xavi Simons talked about his growth experience and topics related to Neymar during an interview on a talk show.
Xavi, we’re very interested in your career because you’ve lived and worked in many different countries, right?
Yes. I’m lucky – at only 22 years old, I’ve already experienced things that many other players might never go through in their entire careers. I was born in the Netherlands, but when I was two, my mom decided to move to Spain. When I was six, FC Barcelona scouted me, and I played for Barcelona from then until I was 16. After that, I spent three years in Paris, one year back in the Netherlands, two years in Germany, and now I’m here.
I learned something in every place, but in the end, the place where I grew the most and stayed the longest is still Barcelona. My family still lives there now, so I feel a sense of belonging to both Barcelona and the Netherlands.
You said you learned something from each place – what’s the most important thing you learned from each country?
It’s learning to adapt to the country’s culture. I’m the kind of person who adapts as quickly as possible when entering a new environment. I need to understand the people around me and the environment I’m in. So I think that’s the most important thing. Of course, learning the language is also one of my top priorities.
How many languages do you speak?
I speak five languages. I learned most of them at school – like English and Spanish. Then French I learned from friends – not in class, but by spending time with my teammates every day. At first, I didn’t speak it very well, but they helped me, telling me how to say this word or use that phrase. Now I speak French fluently.
That’s amazing! How was your time at Barcelona?
Back then, I was surrounded by superstars everywhere I went. For me, that was my dream. My name is Xavi because of Xavi Hernández (note: referring to the former Barcelona coach) – my mom named me after him to honor him. Playing for Barcelona was truly a dream come true for me. Seeing players like Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi every day was also a great motivation for me.
Was there anyone who took special care of you and gave you advice?
At first, no, because I was still very young. But as I grew older and got closer to the first team, Neymar was on the squad. I remember when I was 12, I shot a commercial with him. Since then, Neymar has been my idol. I always watched videos of Neymar playing on YouTube to learn his dribbling moves. Neymar means a lot to me. When he transferred to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) later, I was sad all day. But I never thought that a year later, I would also join PSG.
How did you feel when you left Barcelona?
I was sad at that time, but I thought it was the best decision I could make back then. Life is like that – you have to look forward. At that time, I felt I needed something different; I needed to grow in a top-level environment. PSG gave me that opportunity. They promised I could join the first team and grow and develop as a young player.
How did you feel after joining PSG?
I think that was the real start of my career. The first six months, I was in the U19 team, playing in the Youth Champions League. After that, I was promoted to the first team. I was only 16 or 17 then, surrounded by superstars. It was crazy. Training with them every day and watching how they handled various situations – that’s one of the best experiences I’ve had so far.
Was there anyone in Paris who took special care of you and helped you adapt?
Yes, Neymar always took good care of me. From the first day I arrived, he said to me: “Xavi, if you need anything, just tell me.” I went to his house a few times – he invited me.
Did Neymar take you to nightclubs?
No, I was only 17 then, so I couldn’t go. But I went to his house, and we had meals together. He also always looked out for me at the training ground, and we talked a lot. I was too young then, so I didn’t get many playing opportunities. But I told my friends that those were the days when I learned the most – because I trained with those top players every day and watched what they did.
Do you still keep in touch with Neymar now?
Yes, we still stay in touch. He’s still as great as ever. We send messages to chat occasionally. It’s really a full circle, right? From looking up to him as an idol when I was 12, to still keeping in touch now. Now we’re more like friends. A few months ago, I went to Brazil, met him, and we talked a lot about life and experiences. That was really nice.
