‘Unforgettable Journey’: Busquets to Leave Barca After 18 Years

Sergio Busquets has announced his departure from Barcelona at the end of the season. The 34-year-old midfielder revealed his decision in a video recently posted on social media.

Busquets arrived at Barcelona in 2005 and eventually made his first-team debut in 2008. Since then, he has played in 718 matches for the club, scored 18 goals, and provided 40 assists. He is currently third in the all-time appearance list behind Xavi and Lionel Messi.

During his time at the club, Busquets has won 31 titles, including three Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues. He is on the verge of adding another league title this season, as Barcelona holds a 13-point lead at the top of the Spanish league with five games remaining.

Busquets has also been the team captain for the last two seasons and has been one of the veterans who agreed to take a pay cut during the club’s recent financial struggles.

In his announcement, Busquets described his time at Barcelona as an “unforgettable journey” and said it was an honour, dream and reason for pride to have been able to wear the club’s badge.

Busquets has been one of the best defensive midfielders at Barcelona and is the player with the most appearances in “Clasicos” between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with 48 matches.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who played with Busquets in the team’s midfield for several years, wanted the midfielder to stay through next season, but said the decision was up to him.

Busquets did not mention where he might go next, with reports suggesting he may move to a team in Saudi Arabia. He won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship in 2012 and was a key fixture in the national team for nearly 15 years until he retired from international duty in December.