After 18 years with the team, captain Sergio Busquets has announced he will leave Barcelona at the end of the current campaign.
The 34-year-old former Spain midfielder has appeared in 718 games for Barcelona, which ranks third in club history.
Eight La Liga championships, seven Copa del Reys, seven Spanish Super Cups, and three Champions Leagues are among the awards he has won with the team. Busquets stated that although it had not been an easy choice, he believed the moment had come.
He continued, “It has been an unforgettable journey. I’ve always wanted to play in this kit and at this stadium. My dreams have been surpassed by reality.”
“For so many years, it has been a privilege, a dream and a source of pride to defend and represent the club’s emblem.”
“But everything has a start and a finish. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed, from the very beginning to the very end.”
Busquets joined the team as a young player in 2005, making the jump to Barca’s B team before making his first-team debut under manager Pep Guardiola in a league match against Racing Santander in 2008.
Busquets is on track to finish his Barcelona career with a ninth league championship. He has also won three European Super Cups and three Club World Cups with the Spanish powerhouses.
With five games remaining, Xavi’s team leads La Liga by 13 points.
Busquets was referred to as “one of the best players ever to represent the club” by Barcelona when they announced his decision to depart from Nou Camp.
