Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets confirmed that he will leave Barcelona when his contract expires in June, putting to an end a highly successful era at the club.
Dubbed the ‘greatest central defensive midfielder of all time’, Sergio Busquets has devoted his entire professional career to Barcelona – the same club where his father also played.
But earlier this week, the midfield maestro announced in a Twitter video that he will not renew his contract when it expires on June 30 202. He has been captain of his boyhood club since 2021.
In the video announcing his departure, Busquets said, “It has been an unforgettable journey.”
“Since I was a child coming to the matches, or watching them on TV, I always dreamed of playing with this shirt at this stadium.
Sergio Busquets…….a gem
— JEY 🇦🇷🥇 (@MmoaNkoaaa) May 10, 2023
no controversies
no anger issues
just pure class 🫡 A Legend
pic.twitter.com/D2nAcQ1SuW
Busquets (34) first joined Barca from Jabac Terrassa as a 15-year-old and went on to make more than 700 appearances for his local club, winning 23 major honours including eight LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues.
His decision to depart Barca at the end of the current season has sparked a wave of tributes:
Lionela Messi, Gerad Pique, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta and Luka Modric are among those who have sent messages to the veteran ahead of his summer exit from the club.
Gerard Pique, who recently retired as well, posted a message on his Twitter account, saying, “A run together, it has been a huge pleasure. Thanks for everything.”
Una carrera junts. Ha estat un plaer enorme. Gràcies per tot @5sergiob. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oVQGo26YBC
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) May 10, 2023
Another Barcelona midfield legend, Andres Iniesta, also joined the tributes and this to say:
“Congratulations on your career at Barça, friend, legend and mirror of our club! More than an honor for me to share so many moments together! I wish you the best in the future!”
There were also some kinds words from Sergi Roberto who responded to Busquets’s farewell post on Instagram.
“You are the best, Sergio Busquets. I will miss you a lot,” he wrote. “An example in every way, I have been lucky enough to share many moments with you and day to day will not be easy without you. You deserve the best.”
Felicidades por tu trayectoria en el Barça amigo, leyenda y espejo de nuestro club! Brutal! Más que un honor para mi compartir tantos momentos juntos! Te deseo lo mejor en lo próximo! ❤️ @5sergiob pic.twitter.com/8PYtA7yKaO
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) May 10, 2023
Luka Modric also who plays for Busquet’s biggest rival club, Real Madrid, took to social media to pay a glowing tribute to the midfielder.
The pair have competed against each other on countless occasions, but maintain a high level of respect between themselves.
Modric wrote: “One of the best midfielders I’ve ever played against. It has been a pleasure.”
Uno de los mejores centrocampistas contra los que he jugado. Ha sido un placer. 🤝🤝 @5sergiob pic.twitter.com/0DgKB33t3c
— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) May 10, 2023
Former teammate and PSG star, Lionel Messi also added his voice to the tributes.
During his stay at the Nou Camp, Messi played 567 times alongside Busquets – more than with any other player in his career.
Lionel Messi's heartwarming message for Sergio Busquets 💜 pic.twitter.com/HI0o1jdvVm
— GOAL (@goal) May 10, 2023
