Sergio Busquets announces retirement from professional football
Over his career at the club, Busquets amassed 722 appearances, placing him third on Barça’s all-time list of most games played.
KATHMANDU: Former Spain and Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
The 38-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Inter Miami, enjoyed a glittering career that spanned nearly two decades.
During his 18 years at Barcelona, Busquets lifted 32 major trophies, including nine La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.
With the Spanish national team, he earned 143 caps, playing a pivotal role in Spain’s golden era that saw them win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
Busquets joined Inter Miami in 2023, reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Busquets said: “I feel the time has come to say goodbye to professional football. For nearly 20 years I have lived this dream to the fullest. I am happy, proud, and most importantly, grateful. Thank you all.”
He began his career at Barcelona’s youth academy in 2005 and made his senior debut under Pep Guardiola in 2008 against Racing Santander.
Over his career at the club, Busquets amassed 722 appearances, placing him third on Barça’s all-time list of most games played.
Internationally, Busquets made his debut in 2009 and retired from Spain duty in Dec 2022.
Inter Miami recently secured a spot in the MLS playoffs after defeating New York City FC 4–0.
The postseason, featuring 18 teams, kicks off on October 22 and concludes with the MLS Cup final on Dec 6.
