Barcelona legend announces his retirement
One of Barcelona's finest midfielders will soon hang up his boots
Sergio Busquets will retire at the end of the MLS season.
The 37-year-old made the announcement on his Instagram page overnight, ending speculation as to whether he would extend his contract with Inter Miami or call it a day.
He has opted for the latter and will bring an end to a glorious career following Miami’s Major League Soccer playoff campaign.
Busquets said: “I feel like it’s time to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player. It has been almost 20 years of enjoying this incredible story that I always dreamed of. Soccer has gifted me unique experiences in wonderful places, with the best travel companions.
“Thank you to FC Barcelona, the club of my life. There, I fulfilled the dreams of my childhood of wearing the shirt I loved in hundreds of games. I celebrated many tales and lived unique moments at Camp Nou that I’ll never forget.
“Thank you to the Spain National Team. It was an honor to represent it so many times and to enjoy achievements that will always remain in my heart.
“Thank you to Inter Miami for letting me be part of a new and growing club, where I wanted to live a new experience and contribute my part.”
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Busquets goes down in Barcelona folklore
Busquets moved to Miami in 2023 after making over 700 appearances for Barcelona, with whom he won nine La Liga titles as well as the Champions League three times.
He was crucial to the side built by Pep Guardiola, forming a midfield threesome with Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
The trio also performed on the international stage, helping Spain win the 2008 and 2012 European Championships and the World Cup in 2010.
From Barcelona to Miami
After leaving Camp Nou, he spurned a number of offers to move to MLS, and play alongside former Barca team-mates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
Miami clinched the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, enabling the club to take part in the expanded Club World Cup.
Busquets added: “Thank you to all my colleagues, staff and everyone with whom I shared so many beautiful and unforgettable moments. The best thing I take away is you all.
“Thanks to the fans around the world for their love and respect. I hope I was able to give back a small part of everything you’ve meant to me…These will be my last months on the pitch. I am retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled and above all grateful.
“Thank you very much, see you soon… All end is a new beginning.”