Sergio Busquets to leave Barcelona at end of season, could link up with Lionel Messi in Saudi Arabia
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Published 10/05/2023 at 10:30 GMT
After 18 seasons at Barcelona, Sergio Busquets has announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the season. The 34-year-old is one of the most decorated players in history after a huge trophy haul that includes three Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles. There is now strong speculation that the midfielder will move to Saudi Arabia and link up with Lionel Messi at Al-Hilal.
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Sergio Busquets will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after confirming the news on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old is one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation and has a glittering list of honours that includes three Champions Leagues, eight La Liga titles and seven Copa Del Reys.
He is widely expected to leave Camp Nou with another La Liga crown with Xavi’s side currently sitting 13 points clear of Real Madrid with five games remaining.
In a video message, Busquets said: “Hello culers. The time has come to announce that this will be my last season with Barca.
“It has been an unforgettable journey. Since I was a child coming to the matches or watching them on TV. I always dreamed of playing with this shirt and at this stadium and reality has exceeded all my dreams.
“I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told me when I arrived as a youth player that I would play 15 seasons at the best club in the world. The club of my life, which I have been, am and will always be a fan, member, player, captain and surpass 700 matches.
“It has been an honour, a dream, a source of pride and meant everything to defend and represent this badge for so many years.
“Being a Barca fan is the best thing there is.”
Busquets rose from the club’s under-19 side, emerging into the first XI under Pep Guardiola, and to date has played 719 times for Barca to sit third in the list of all-time appearance makers.
He has been a regular in Xavi’s team this season after making 39 appearances across all competitions to date, registering four assists.
There is now speculation regarding where Busquets will head to next, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Spaniard could link up with ex-Blaugrana team-mate Lionel Messi, who is rumoured to be on the verge of a switch to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, despite denials from his father.
The Athletic reports that Busquets could have left Spain in January for a move to Major League Soccer in the United States, but decided to remain at Barcelona.
As well as a stellar career at club level, his legacy as an international player is also secured after earning 143 caps for Spain and winning both the World Cup and European Championship.
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