Sergio Busquets is ending his long association with Barcelona at season end, despite frequent reminders from Xavi Hernandez about renewing his contract. The midfielder has made the choice to close his chapter with the club he has known his entire life.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Sergio Busquets (@5sergiob)
He departs the home he has left since childhood, leaving behind a club where he has won every major prize. As captain, he walks away with the experience of a new league trophy tucked under his arm.
Barça Legend. #5ergiounic pic.twitter.com/qxC4kHxOKe
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) 10 May 2023
This is the full expression of the Busquets march.
“Hi culés, it is time to announce that this will be my last season at Barça. Since I was a kid, when I watched the matches on television, I always dreamed of wearing this jersey and playing in this stadium. The reality has surpassed anything I could have imagined.”
“Who would have told me I could live this dream when I started as a teenager? Fifteen seasons later I have surpassed 700 appearances for the world’s greatest club, the club of my life, of which I am and will be a fan, a member, and a captain. It has been an honor, a dream, a source of pride to represent this shield for so many years.”
“Everything has a beginning and an end, and although the decision was not easy, I believe the time has come. I want to thank everyone who made this possible: the club staff, medical team, coaches, management, the president, analysts, and above all my teammates, the people I have shared everything with. Thank you.”
“I also want to extend thanks to members and fans from all corners of the world who offered their support and respect during this journey. And of course my family, who stood beside me through good days and bad, sacrificing much to watch me happily pursue my dream.”
“Thank you very much for everything, and I’ll see you in the final matches. Being at Barça is the best.”
club legend
Busquets is recognized as a club legend and is the third player to accumulate the most appearances for Barcelona. Since his first-team debut on September 13, 2008, he has played 718 matches up to the present release date, a record that will be challenging to beat for many years. This consistency underscores his status as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the club and the sport as a whole.
Often considered among the finest midfielders in modern football, Busquets emerged from Barça’s youth system and helped lead the team to 31 titles over his 15 seasons with the first team, a testament to his enduring impact on the club’s identity and success.
palmares
With an enviable collection of trophies, the midfielder closes this chapter with eight league titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Rey trophies, seven Spanish Super Cups, three European Super Cups, and three Club World Cups, in addition to a European Championship and a World Cup with Spain. His career reflects not only team achievements but also a personal commitment to excellence and consistency on the field.
leaves the class
While Busquets is not known as an attacking player, his contributions exceed simple statistics. He leaves Barça with 19 goals and 40 assists, along with countless moments defined by precise passes, tactical reading, and leadership on the pitch. His presence has defined a generation of play, guiding teammates through tense moments and orchestrating the team’s defensive shield.
Thus, the name that recently illuminated Barça’s deeper years departs after 15 seasons as a defensive midfielder and the club’s captain, marking the end of an era in the club’s rich history.