Sergio Busquets announces retirement from football

Sergio Busquets
  • Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the current MLS season
  • Busquets will always have the respect of football fans and is admired not only for his footballing ability, but also for his humility, intelligence, and consistency

Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the current MLS season.

Busquets, 38, is best known for his time with La Liga giants FC Barcelona. He began his career at La Masia and made his senior debut in 2008 before going on to establish himself as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He won 32 titles during his time with Barcelona, including nine La Liga titles three UEFA Champions League titles.

Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets in action for Inter Miami. Photo/ MLS Multiplex.

Busquets played more than 720 matches for the Catalans. He moved to the MLS in 2023 and reunited with his former teammates at Barcelona Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba. The playoffs of the current MLS season begin on October 22 and will end with the MLS Cup on December 6.

Sergio Busquets announced his retirement via a three-minute video posted on his official Instagram account. The Inter Miami star recounted the special moments he has had while playing football across the world.

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“I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional footballer. It has been almost 20 years enjoying this incredible story that I always dreamed of. Football has given me unique experiences in wonderful places alongside the best travel companion.” He said on the video posted on Instagram.

Busquets also gave thanks to the clubs he has played for throughout his career. The 37-year-old started his football journey at Badia and played for the youth teams of Barberá, Lleida, and Jabac before joining Barcelona’s La Masia academy at the age of 17.

Busquets said he had many special moments at Barcelona, the club of his life. He also thanked the Spanish national team for the opportunity to represent his country in major international tournaments. The star midfielder was part of La Roja’s squads that won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship two years later.

Busquets concluded his announcement by thanking his teammates, coaching staff, fans, and family for the memories and special moments.

What Next For Sergio Busquets?

The former Barcelona midfielder did not disclose his plans for the future while announcing his retirement. However, we are certain that his football journey is far from over as he can still stay connected to the game by pursuing coaching, punditry or ambassadorial roles.

Busquets will always have the respect of football fans considering he is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders the football world has ever seen. He is admired not only for his footballing ability, but also for his humility, intelligence, and consistency.

Tributes have been pouring for the Inter Miami star since he announced his plans to retire via Instagram. Barcelona honored their former player on social media by posting: “The Club of your life. A legend at our Club. Thanks for all the football, Sergio!”

Busquets was part of Barcelona’s squad that dominated football in Europe in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He was the backbone of the team’s midfield alongside Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez, who are all retired.

ALSO READ: Top 10 La Masia graduates of all time

Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also had positive words for Busquets as he heads to retirement. The two played together for the Spain national team.

Sergio Busquets
Sergio Ramos and Busquets played together for Spain. Photo/ Foot Africa.

“Busi [Busquets], you are the definition of how to be exceptional while remaining an ordinary guy. Football is losing one of the most brilliant midfielders I’ve ever played with.” Part of Sergio Ramos’ message on Instagram reads.

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