FC Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season. The Barça midfielder announced his decision on Wednesday via social media in an emotional video in which he says “it has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end. It has not been an easy decision but the time has come.”
The Blaugrana captain bids farewell after 18 seasons at the club he first joined in 2005 and progressed through the U19A and Barça B sides before being handed his senior debut by Pep Guardiola in 2008. It was not long before Busquets became a vital part of the side that won six trophies in a calendar year.
Since then Busquets has became a key member of the squad and for the last two seasons he has been captain of the first team. After two years wearing the armband he says goodbye with a long list of honours and a style of play recognised around the world.
A long, legendary career
Sergio Busquets’ story at Barça is one of class and commitment in the centre of midfield. His talent and his ability to read the game has made him one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. Despite his primarily defensive focus, Busqeuets scored 18 goals and created 40 assists throughout his Barça career. Busquets has also played in more ElClásicos than any other player with 48 games (24 wins) to his name.
The Catalan midfielder has played 718 matches in all competitions for Barça, placing him third on the all-time list. He also ranks among the players with most trophies. His 31 winners’ medals have come thanks to 8 LaLiga Santander titles, 7 Copas del Rey, 7 Spanish Super Cups, 3 UEFA Champions Leagues, 3 European Super Cups and 3 Club World Cups.
Final season as a blaugrana
After the announcement of his departure, Busquets still has the remainder of the 2022/23 season and a very likely ninth LaLiga Santander title ahead of him, his final weeks as a Blaugrana. Still hugely influential, he remains a vital part of Xavi Hernández’s team. With 2,087 minutes of playing time (27 appearances, including 4 assists), only five players have been on the pitch more.
