Barcelona stalwart Sergio Busquets has announced his departure from the club at the end of his contract this summer, bringing an end to his remarkable 18-year career at the Nou Camp.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who has been the captain since 2021, took to Twitter to reveal his decision not to renew his contract, which expires on June 30.
Having joined Barcelona’s youth system at the age of 15, following in the footsteps of his father, Busquets has etched his name in the club’s history books.
Making over 700 appearances for the Catalan giants, he has amassed an impressive collection of 23 major honors, including eight LaLiga titles and three Champions League triumphs.
Throughout his time at Barcelona, Busquets has been a mainstay in the first team, consistently featuring in at least 30 matches each season for the past 15 years.
His rise to prominence coincided with the Pep Guardiola era, where he became an integral part of a formidable midfield trio alongside Andres Iniesta and current Barcelona manager Xavi.
Busquets knew what he wanted while still young
Even at the tender age of 19, Busquets showcased his talent and contributed significantly to his team’s success in his debut season, securing the LaLiga, Champions League, and Copa Del Rey titles.
In a heartfelt video announcing his departure, Busquets expressed his gratitude and reflected on his incredible journey.
He mentioned how he had always dreamed of playing for Barcelona, a club he has supported passionately since childhood.
He acknowledged that reality had exceeded his wildest dreams, as he became a fan, member, player, captain, and surpassed the milestone of 700 matches for the best club in the world.
As Busquets prepares to bid farewell to Barcelona, a fitting tribute awaits him. The club has announced a friendly match against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on June 6, where he will have the opportunity to share the pitch with his former midfield partners.
With Iniesta still an active player for the Japanese side and Xavi now at the helm as Barcelona’s head coach, the trio will reunite one last time, providing a nostalgic and memorable send-off for Busquets.
The departure of Sergio Busquets marks the end of an era at Barcelona, with his contributions to the club’s success and his unwavering loyalty forever etched in the memories of fans and football enthusiasts worldwide.