Sergio Busquets Confirms Retirement – ‘These Will Be My Final Months’

‎Sergio Busquets has confirmed he will retire from football at the end of the current MLS season.

‎The 37-year-old Inter Miami midfielder made the announcement in a video shared on Instagram on Friday. Miami will close out its regular season with a match against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium on October 12.

‎The team has already secured a playoff spot, with the postseason running through late October and ending with the MLS Cup final on December 6.

‎Busquets, one of the game’s most celebrated midfielders who also played for Barcelona and Spain, said, “Thank you to everyone and to football for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story. These will be my final months on the pitch.

‎”I am retiring very happy and proud, fulfilled, and above all grateful.”

‎Sergio’s career, from La Masia to Inter Miami

‎A graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy, he made his debut for the Spanish side’s first team in 2008. In total he played 722 times for Barca during his 15 years at the Camp Nou, establishing himself as one of the best players in the club’s illustrious history and winning 32 trophies.

‎Also a pillar for Spain, the former captain announced his retirement from international duty in 2022 having made 143 appearances for his country (the third-highest tally in history for the nation) and having won two major trophies: the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship two years later.

‎”The time has come to say goodbye to my career as a professional footballer,” Busquets said. “It has been almost 20 years of enjoying this incredible story that I have always dreamed of.

‎”Soccer has given me unique experiences, in wonderful places with the best companions. Thanks to FC Barcelona, the club of my life.

“There, I fulfilled my dreams of wearing the shirt I loved. Winning titles in moments at Camp Nou that I will never forget. Thanks to the Spanish national team. It was an honour to represent it so many times and to enjoy achievements that will always remain in my heart.”

‎Graceful and composed in possession, Sergio Busquets is celebrated as one of the finest defensive midfielders of all time.

‎He played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s dominance, winning nine La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. With Spain, he was part of the golden generation that lifted the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, amassing 143 international caps.

‎After retiring from international duty following the 2022 World Cup, he joined Inter Miami in 2023 to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.