Sergio Busquets to leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season
Sergio Busquets, one of the best players ever to represent the Club, will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season. The Barça midfielder announced his decision on Wednesday via social media in an emotional video in which he says "it has been an honour, a draw and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end." The midfielder also admits "it hasn't been an easy decision but the time has come," before thanking "all those people who have accompanied me on this journey, as well as the members and fans."
The blaugrana captain bids farewell after 18 seasons at Barça. He came to the Club in 2005 and after two seasons with the U19A side, he moved up to a Barça B side coached by Pep Guardiola, helping them to promotion to the Second Division B.
With the commitment that has always been his trademark, he finally made his debut for the first team in 2008 in a league game against Racing Santander. It was not long before Busquets became a vital part of the side that won six trophies in a calendar year.
Since then Sergio has became a key member of the squad and for the last two seasons he has been captain of the first team. After two years wearing the armband he says goodbye with a long list of honours and a style of play recognised around the world.
A long, legendary career
Sergio Busquets’ story at Barça is one of class and commitment in the centre of midfield. His talent and his ability to read the game has made him one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. Nevertheless, Sergio has still scored 18 goals and created 40 assists in his Barça career.
Busquets has also played in more Clásicos than any other player with 48 games to his name, 23 having ended in victory.
The Catalan midfielder has played 718 matches in a Barça shirt which places him third on the all time list. Furthermore, he is one the players who has won most trophies as a blaugrana. Busquets’ 31 winners’ medals have come thanks to 8 league titles, 7 Copas del Rey, 7 Spanish Super Cups, 3 Champions Leagues, 3 European Super Cups and 3 Club World Cups.
Final season as a blaugrana
After the announcement of his departure, Sergio Busquets still has the remainder of the 2022/23 season ahead of him, his final weeks as a blaugrana. This season the midfielder has remained a vital part of Xavi Hernández’s team. With 2,087 minutes of playing time, only five players have been on the pitch more. In his 27 appearances he has provided 4 assists this season.
To round off his final season at FC Barcelona, Busquets has the chance to end his career as a blaugrana in the best possible way, adding another league title to his already impressive list of honours.