Barcelona, the Spanish professional football club, has responded to the departure of Sergio Busquets, their defensive midfielder, who will be leaving the club at the end of his contract in June.
It’s worth noting that Busquets joined Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, in 2005 when he was a teenager. He quickly made an impact and was promoted to the reserve team after just one season. In 2008, under the management of Pep Guardiola, Busquets made his professional debut for Barcelona.
Despite his remarkable tenure with the club, the 34-year-old player confirmed on Wednesday (today) that his time at Barcelona has come to a close. Taking to his Instagram page, Busquets wrote, “The moment has arrived to announce this is my last season at Barcelona. It has been an unforgettable journey.”
Busquets, who has won the Champions League three times and La Liga on eight occasions with Barcelona before this season, is set to triumph again with the Catalans after a four-year gap.
He is undeniably one of Barcelona’s most prolific players, having made 718 appearances for the club and secured a total of 31 trophies.
While Busquets did not explicitly mention his next move after leaving Barcelona, there are speculations that he might join a team in Saudi Arabia.
Reaction From Barcelona, Coach, And Players
Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, who played alongside Busquets in his prime, expressed concern that he wanted the midfielder to stay next season but admitted that the decision was up to the player.
Busquets’ team-mates, past and present, have as well paid tribute to him on social media after he announced his future lay outside the club.
“My friend, after so much we’ve lived through together, what can I say that you don’t know?” Barcelona defender, Jordi Alba wrote on Instagram.
“You’re leaving your home, having made an indelible imprint on Barcelona’s history.
“More than 700 games, a fundamental part of so many titles, and glorious nights that all Barca fans will forever remember.”
Former Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta said Busquets was “number one”.
“You are the best, Sergio, I will miss you,” wrote Barca midfielder Sergi Roberto, who is set to inherit the captain’s armband.
“An example in all senses, I have been lucky to share many moments with you and it will not be easy day to day without you,” he added.
The club also applauded Busquets as one of the best players ever to represent them.
Leave a Reply