Roca, 34, a former Spanish age-group international, has played professional football in his homeland for the past 14 years.

A natural right-back, Roca (full name Javier Roca Mateo) is the second major signing for Auckland City, who recently named recently retired All Whites stalwart Ivan Vicelich as captain to replace now-Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund. 

Roca joined Barcelona as a twelve year old and spent eleven years with the Spanish superclub – but unable to break into the Catalan club’s much-vaunted top side and searching for more regular opportunities, he left after making only four first team appearances. 

From 1999-2003 he represented Villarreal and Espanyol in Spain's La Liga, notching 60 appearances in the Primera Division.

Having played the last five seasons in Spain's second and third divisions, his decision to sign for Auckland City has surprised many football followers in his home country.

As Roca explains there are many reasons for his move:

"I have plenty of things motivating me in this new footballing adventure. Economic factors are certainly not one of them. The opportunity to play in a Champions League (the O-League) and also the Mundialito of Clubs (the FIFA Club World Cup) along with winning the New Zealand Football Championship are my main footballing goals.”

“Just as importantly though I am excited to learn about another culture, improve my English, which is not so good, and learn about a different style of football. All of these things will help me prepare for my future career as a coach."

"Playing-wise I still have plenty of football left in me and I am eager to demonstrate to the people of New Zealand why I have signed for Auckland City. I hope the many years of experience that I have in football, including playing in the Primera Division, can help assist with the development of the beautiful game in Oceania."

Auckland City's Head Coach, Colin Tuaa, is naturally excited by the prospect of Roca joining his squad for the new season.

"Xavi is obviously a special player. He has competed at the very highest level against some of the finest footballers in the world."

"His vast experience and professionalism promises to be a huge asset for us this season. In this regard, all of our players, especially our youngsters, can learn so much from him."

"It's also fantastic for the profile and growing reputation of the New Zealand Football Championship, along with the Oceania Champions League, that players like Xavi and Ivan Vicelich will be starring in this summer's competitions."

Xavi Roca - Statistics
 
Full name:  Javier Roca Mateo
Nickname:  Xavi Roca (pronounced “Shavi Rocka”)
Date of Birth:  19 January 1974
Place of Birth:  Barcelona
Country:  Spain
Height / Weight:  1.77m / 74kg
Position: Defender / Midfield
International Caps:  30 (Spain U15 - U21)
 
Club Statistics: 
FC Barcelona       1986-1997
Logrones             1997/8
Toledo                 1998/9
Villarreal              1999-2002
Espanyol              2002/3
Rayo Vallecano    2003/4
CE Hospitalet       2004-2006
CE Sabadell         2006-2008 (Club Captain)
 
Primera Division debut: FC Barcelona vs Deportivo de La Coruna 1995/96
Matches played in Spanish Primera Division: 60
Club managers played under include: Carles Reixach, Javier Clemente, Juande Ramos & Victor Munoz.