FC Barcelona’s midfielder, Sergio Busquets, has announced that he shall depart from the club upon the conclusion of this season. Busquets has been a player for Barcelona since his teenage years, having joined the team at 15 years old from Jabac Terrassa. He has made over 700 appearances and has garnered 23 major honors, including eight La Liga and three Champions League titles, during his tenure with the 26-time Spanish champions. The expiration of his contract with Barcelona shall occur on June 30.
Busquets declared on Instagram, “The moment has come to announce that this shall be my final season at Barcelona. It has been an unforgettable journey.” He proceeded to express how serving his club for 18 years has felt. “It has been an honor, a dream, a source of pride. It has been everything to defend and represent this badge for so long, but everything has a beginning and an end,” continued Busquets. “Even though it was not an easy decision, I believe the time has come.”
“The reality has surpassed all of my dreams. I wouldn’t have believed you if you told me when I arrived as a youth player that I would play for 15 seasons for the best club in the world, the club of my life, of which I have been, am, and always will be a fan, member, player, captain, and have surpassed 700 matches,” he added.
Busquets has not disclosed his future plans. Reports have surfaced that he may join the Saudi League, where football legend Cristiano Ronaldo moved to in January of 2023. According to sources, Busquets might join the Saudi club Al-Hilal with his former teammate Lionel Messi, who is considering a move from the French capital.
Aside from his successes with Barca, Busquets won 143 caps with Spain and was part of the team that won both the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships.
As Xavi’s squad is 13 points clear at the top of the table and only 3 points away from being crowned the Spanish champions, the 34-year-old is likely to leave Barca with another title.