All the reaction as Barcelona and Spain legend Sergio Busquets calls time on career at 37 | OneFootball

Legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets has decided to call time on his career at the age of 37, after 17 years as a professional football, the majority of which he spent at the summit of the game.

After rumours earlier this week that he was considering ending his career, Busquets made the announcement on Thursday night, with a post on Instagram. At the end of Inter Miami’s seaso, Busquets will hang up his boots. The post showed highlights from across his career, thanking the teams that he was part of, the coaching staffs, the players, his family and the fans. It was accompanied by the following caption.

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Sergio Busquets: An era-defining career

An ever-present already in his debut season, Busquets became the stability behind Barcelona’s midfield, and there he would remain for 14 years before leaving for Inter Miami in 2023. Diario AS say that he ranks 11th on the all-time list of most decorated players, having secured 36 titles during his career. Among them are three Champions Leagues, nine La Liga titles, seven Copas del Rey, a World Cup and a Euros with Spain. At Inter Miami, he added a Leagues Cup and a Supporter’s Shield.

Busquets has made 829 club appearances, scoring 19 goals and giving 62 assists, of which 722 were for Barcelona. Over the past 2.5 years, he has racked up over 100 appearances for Inter Miami. For Spain, he is the fifth-most capped player in their history, making 143 appearances and scoring twice. Despite La Roja being European champions when he made his debut, Busquets wrestled a starting spot away from Marcos Senna and Cesc Fabregas.

Reactions to Busquets’ retirement

The announcement was accompanied by tributes from the great and the good of football, including Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso. The pair were partnered together in Spain’s midfield for their World Cup and Euro 2012 triumphs.

“First, congratulations on your career. Busi has been a great teammate. We’ve really enjoyed playing together. As a midfield partner, he never confused me, because he’s a player who sustains a team. He’s very intelligent. He wasn’t the fastest, but he was the quickest upstairs. He was always a metre ahead to make the right decision. It’s telling that we all speak very fondly of Busi. I hope he enjoys his final matches and rests well.”

Another Real Madrid icon and Spain teammate Sergio Ramos was also keen to pay tribute to Busquets.

“Busi, you are the definition of how to be exceptional without stopping to be a normal guy. A rival most of the time, teammate many other times, you’ve always stood out for your classy football, vision and quality, and for your humble and authentic way of being.”

“Football loses one of the brightest midfielders I’ve played with, but you’re leaving with the recognition and gratitude of all of us who’ve shared time with you and of all those who love this sport. Thanks for being a great player, a great teammate, and a great friend. I wish you the best for your new stage. Big kisses, brother.”

One of the players that spent the most time by his side on the pitch, Andres Iniesta, was quick to call him one of the best of all time.

“What a privilege to share all these years with you, brother. I’ve enjoyed being by your side so much! What a great time we had! You’re one of the greatest in the history of football, without a doubt. You’ve had a unique way of playing, one that will forever remain in our memories. I wish you all the best in everything from now on.”

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