End of an era: Sergio Busquets announces his retirement from professional soccer | OneFootball

Inter Miami has completed its main objective: qualifying for the MLS playoffs. Now, the Herons will set their focus on trying to achieve a back-to-back Supporters’ Shield.

With the recent draw of the Vancouver Whitecaps, Inter Miami depends on itself to become the first team in MLS history to win the Supporters' Shield two years in a row.

Despite the great moment the squad is going through and the joy of the Herons’ fans, a recent piece of news turns this bright present into a future overshadowed by the departure of a football legend.

This week, this news was just a rumour, but now the player has confirmed his retirement.

Sergio Busquets will play his last few months with Inter Miami.

The news that everyone feared has come true. Sergio Busquets will retire from professional soccer once the season with the Herons ends.

Amid ongoing delays in his contract renewal, the Spanish legend repeatedly hinted to the public that this season might be his last as a player.

Sergio Busquets made his announcement via an Instagram post, where he made his intention clear. In the mentioned outlet, the former FC Barcelona legend said: “I feel that the time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player. It has been almost 20 years of enjoying this incredible story that I have always dreamed of.”

Confirming what no one wanted, Busquets told his fans: “These will be my last months on the pitch. I’m retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled, and, above all, grateful. A heartfelt thank you to everyone and to football for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story.”

Busquets gave everything to Inter Miami. His unique playing style and exceptional understanding of the game made him a pivotal figure in managing the team’s midfield.

It’s true his physical speed was always a theme when Inter Miami lost. However, the most important thing that he had was playing with the least amount of touches, something many players should learn to do.

Nevertheless, one thing is true. Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will lose an all-time teammate and friend for the next season. Although it would be hard for Messi and Alba, it would be harder for Inter Miami.