Barcelona legend and Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced he will retire at the end of the current MLS season. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who spent 18 years at Barcelona and won numerous trophies, made the announcement via Instagram, bringing an end to a near 20-year professional career.
Busquets came through Barcelona's La Masia academy and became a key figure in Pep Guardiola's tiki-taka style, winning nine La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys, and a World Cup and European Championship with Spain. He earned 143 caps for his country before moving to Inter Miami in 2023, where he reunited with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
In his retirement announcement, Busquets 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 enjoying this incredible story that I have always dreamed of.' He thanked everyone and said football would always be part of his story.
Inter Miami praised Busquets for his contribution since joining, winning the Supporters’ Shield and Leagues Cup, and noted his leadership and vision. The club looks forward to his contribution in the final stretch of the campaign, which includes MLS play-offs.
Guardiola, who coached Busquets at Barcelona, previously suggested the midfielder could become an exceptional coach, praising his ability to read the game and anticipate situations.
