BARCELONA
Barcelona legends pay tribute to Sergio Busquets after confirming exit
The likes of Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué and Andres Iniesta have highlighted Busi’s importance to Barça.
After 15 years as the fulcrum at the base of the Barcelona midfield, Sergio Busquets announced on Wednesday that he would not be extending his current contract beyond the end of this season. The Catalan midfielder came through the club’s famed La Masia academy and has risen to become Barça’s club captain.
The 34-year-old playmaker has been a key part of the best sides in the world over the past two decades, including Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering 2008/09 Barca team and the Spain side that won the World Cup in 2010. Busquets announced his departure in a video posted by Barça on Wednesday and a whole host of Barcelona legends have paid their respects to his incredible career.
The first to speak out was Jordi Alba, who told the club’s media: “He is a Barcelona legend. Few have won what he has won. It has been and, will remain, an example for all.”
Andres Iniesta starred alongside Busquets for club an country and described it as “an honor to share so many moments together.” Gerard Piqué said: “It has been an enormous pleasure. Thank you for everything.”
On social Media former Barcelona star Lionel Messi paid tribute to Busquets’ character, as well as his footballing talents: “On the pitch you always wear the ‘five’ but in reality as a player and as a person you’re a ten, Busi.”
Club president Joan Laporta also expressed his admiration for the club captain, describing him as “a part of our badge.”
Laporta continued: “He has been a great Barça captain and has always been an extension of the coach on the pitch... We have the feeling that Sergio will continue at Barça. Not as a footballer, but in other respects.”
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen emphasized the void that will be left by the midfielder’s departure: “He has been a key player for us on and off the pitch. He is a natural leader. It’s almost impossible to fill the hole it leaves.”
While Sergi Roberto joined Guardiola’s first team squad at Camp Nou two years after Busquets and described him as a model professional: “He is an example for everyone, especially for the people at home. It is an example of how to play, how to behave, how to respect your opponent.”
After 15 years dominating the Barça midfield, Busquets will leave the club this summer after an 18-year association. It remains to be seen where he will choose to spend the remainder of his glittering career in football.