Inter Miami star and Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets announces retirement | OneFootball

Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced on social media that he will retire at the end of the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

Rumours have been doing the rounds over the last few days that the former Barcelona star would hang up his boots when his contract expires at the end of the year.

Having retired from international football in 2022 in the wake of Spain’s exit from the World Cup in the round of 16, Busquets has now decided to call time on a glittering club career.

The 37-year-old moved to Miami in 2023 after nearly spending two decades at Barca, where he left behind an enduring legacy.

Former teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez followed in his footsteps to link up with him in Miami.

Busquets has featured in 101 games for the Herons, playing an instrumental role in winning the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Rodrigo De Paul is likely to take up the Spaniard’s Designated Player spot at Miami. The Argentine midfielder is currently on loan from Atletico Madrid, with a purchase option worth €15 million.

Busquets is considered one of the best holding midfielders of all time, displaying an unmatched vision and consistency. His performances have captivated the fans, players and managers alike.

The former La Masia graduate ranks third for the most number of appearances (722) in Barca’s history, winning nine La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and several other honours.

He was also a prominent figure in Spain’s golden generation, lifting the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.