Barcelona Legend Sergio Busquets announces retirement date
Sergio Busquets was showered with praise by the football world after announcing Wednesday he will leave Barcelona in June at the end of his contract, ending a highly successful era at the club.
“The moment has arrived to announce this is my last season at Barcelona,” said Busquets on Instagram.
“It has been an unforgettable journey.”
Busquets won the Champions League three times with Barcelona and La Liga on eight occasions before this season, with the Catalans set to triumph for the first time in four years.
The 34-year-old has been a key player for Barca since breaking into the first team under then coach Pep Guardiola in 2008, becoming the club’s captain in 2021.
Busquets is third Barcelona’s all-time appearance list, playing for the club on 718 occasions, lifting 31 trophies.
“It has been an honour, a dream, a pride. It has been everything to be able to defend and represent this badge for so many years, but everything has a beginning and an end,” said Busquets.
“Although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come.”
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who played with Busquets in midfield for several years, wanted the midfielder to stay next season, but said the decision was his.
Busquets’ team-mates past and present paid tribute to him on social media after he announced his future lay elsewhere.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi, a close friend, wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“On the pitch you were always No 5, but in reality as a player and as a person, you are a 10, Busi,” said the Argentine playmaker.
“Thank you for everything on and off the pitch.”
Barcelona defender Jordi Alba also showed his affection for the veteran midfielder.
“My friend, after so much we’ve lived through together, what can I say that you don’t know?” wrote Alba on Instagram.
“You’re leaving your home, having made an indelible imprint on Barcelona’s history.
“More than 700 games and a fundamental part of so many titles, and glorious nights that all Barca fans will forever remember.”
Even rivals paid tribute, with Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric saying: “one of the best players I have played against.”
