Sergio Busquets has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the MLS season.
The 37-year-old Inter Miami player made the announcement in a video posted on Instagram on Friday. Miami’s final MLS game of the season is against Atlanta United at the Chase Stadium on October 12. They have already qualified for the playoffs, which begin in late October and culminate with the MLS Cup final on December 6.
Busquets, one of the game’s most celebrated midfielders who also played for Barcelona and Spain, said: “Thank you to everyone and to football for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story. These will be my final months on the pitch. I am retiring very happy and proud, fulfilled, and above all grateful.”
A graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, he made his debut for the Spanish side’s first team in 2008. In total he played 722 times for Barca during his 15 years at the Camp Nou, establishing himself as one of the best players in the club’s illustrious history and winning 32 trophies.
Also a pillar for Spain, the former captain announced his retirement from international duty in 2022 having made 143 appearances for his country (the third-highest tally in history for the nation) and having won two major trophies: the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship two years later.
“The time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional footballer,” Busquets said. “It has been almost 20 years of enjoying this incredible story that I have always dreamed of.
“Soccer has given me unique experiences, in wonderful places with the best companions. Thanks to FC Barcelona, the club of my life. There, I fulfilled my dreams of wearing the shirt I loved. Winning titles in moments at Camp Nou that I will never forget. 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.”
Busquets made 722 appearances in 15 years for Barcelona. (Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Busquets joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, where he re-united with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and Javier Mascherano. He has made 105 appearances for the MLS side, winning two trophies.
“Thanks to Inter Miami for letting me be a part of a new and growing club where I wanted to live a new experience and contribute my part,” Busquets continued.
“Thanks to all my colleagues and 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 across the world for their love and respect. I hope I’ve 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. 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.”
Busquets won the World Cup with Spain in 2010/ (Photo: PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images)
(Top Photo: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)/Getty Images)
