Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets announced his retirement from football this morning in an emotional Instagram post.
The 37-year-old, synonymous with Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi’s iconic “Tiki-taka” Barcelona side, won three Champions Leagues and nine league titles in Catalonia, cementing himself firmly in the legacy of one of the greatest clubs in the sport.
On an international level, the icon played a pivotal role during Spain’s golden era, lifting the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.
The midfielder left the Nou Camp after 15 years and 722 appearances to join Messi’s Inter Miami in 2023, where he will finish his career following the conclusion of the MLS season in a few weeks. He has made 105 appearances for David Beckham’s side to date.
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On his Instagram announcement, which included clips of his greatest moments on the pitch, Busquets 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.
Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets announced his retirement from football this morning in an emotional Instagram post
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"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.
Sergio Busquets won an astonishing 32 trophies during his 15-year spell at Barcelona
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"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.
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The 37-year-old won both the World Cup and European Championships with Spain
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"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.
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"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.
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"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."
Of his 827 senior appearances for both Barcelona and Miami, Busquets has shared the pitch with Messi on 640 occasions.
Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi have played together 640 times
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This marks the Argentinian’s most loyal footballing companion, and signifies the impact Busquets has had on the career of one of the greatest to ever play the game.
The Spaniard garnered a reputation for lightning-quick feet, despite his larger stature, and a remarkable footballing IQ meaning he became an instant stalwart in his position, holding a midfield together that included legends Xavi and Iniesta.
The world of football paid tribute to the Catalonian icon, with former Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert saying: “The midfield will miss you, and the football even more. Thank you for everything.”
The MLS wrote: “Maestro.”
Former Barcelona team-mate Sergi Roberto said: “You are the best! Thank you for everything!”
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