SERGIO BUSQUETS is set to retire from professional football aged 37.
The Barcelona legend, now of Inter Miami, has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the MLS season.
Busquets began his career with the Catalan giants, playing a starring role between 2008 and 2023 alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
The midfield maestro won nine LaLiga titles, three Champions Leagues and seven Copas del Rey with Barca, in addition to the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
In a glossy video posted to Instagram this morning, Busquets confirmed that he will be calling it a day.
The Spaniard said: “Hello everyone. I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player.
“It has been almost 20 years enjoying this incredible story that I always dreamed of.
“Soccer has given me unique experiences in wonderful places, with the best travel companions.
“I have very happy memories from my childhood. From Badia to Barca’s reserve team, passing through Barbera, Lleida and Jabac.
“Thank you to FC Barcelona, the club of my life. There I fulfilled my childhood dreams of wearing the shirt that I loved in hundreds of games.
“I celebrated many titles and my unique moments at Camp Nou that I will never forget.
“Thanks to the Spanish national team. It was an honour to represent it so many times and to enjoy achievements that will always remain in my heart.
“Thanks to Inter Miami for letting me be part of a new and growing club where I wanted to live a new experience and contribute my part.
“Thanks to all my colleagues, the staff, and everyone with whom I shared so many beautiful and unforgettable moments. The best thing I take away is you all.
“Thanks to fans around the world for their love and respect. I hope I have been able to give back a small part of everything you’ve meant to me.
“Of course! Thanks to my family, who have always supported me, ever since I was a little boy, in every field, giving everything to see me happy and helping me fulfil my dreams.
“To my wife and children who were and are the pillars of my life. Thank you for always being by my side, in good times and bad. I love you all so much.
“These will be my last months on the pitch. I am retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled and, above all, grateful. Thank you all very much.”
Busquets played 722 times for Barcelona before quitting in 2023 amid the club’s financial woes.
The midfielder has since added a further 105 appearances for Inter Miami to his resume, winning the Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup with David Beckham‘s MLS franchise.
Inter Miami have five regular season matches remaining, before they will enter the MLS playoffs.
Busquets has been joined in the United States by wife Elena and their three sons; Enzo, nine, Levi, seven and youngest, Romeo, born earlier this year.
Since joining Inter, Busquets has played alongside former Barcelona team-mates Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
While his pal Busquets is retiring, Messi is expected to imminently pen a contract extension aged 38.
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