BARCELONA have confirmed that Sergio Busquets will be leaving the club at the end of the current season.
The midfielder and the club both announced the decision today.
“Sergio Busquets, one of the best players ever to represent the Club, will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season,” Barcelona said in a statement on their official website today.
Busquets also made a statement on social media, announcing his decision 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.”
The midfielder added that “it hasn’t been an easy decision but the time has come”.
The 34-year-old Spain midfielder has spent 18 successful years at Barcelona, starting from the U-19s and playing for the B squad under Pep Guardiola, who later promoted the youngster after he (Guardiola) became the first team manager in 2008.
Barcelona paid glowing tribute to the classy holding midfielder, hailing his impact on the club.
“Since his first appearance in 2008, Sergio 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.
“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.
“Nevertheless, Sergio has still scored 18 goals and created 40 assists in his Barça career.
“Busquets has also played in more Clásicos than any other player with 48 games to his name, 23 having ended in victory.”
So far, Busquets has made 718 senior appearances for Barcelona and won 31 trophies with the club, including three UEFA Champions League titles, eight La Liga medals, seven in the Copa del Rey and three Club World Cups.
He is on course to winning a 32nd Barcelona trophy as they currently lead La Liga and are odds-on favourites to claim the title.
The Catalan star also won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships with Spain.
