Official: Sergio Busquets to leave Barcelona in summer

It happened. Sergio Busquets will end his contract with Barça at the end of the season and, despite the fact that Xavi Hernández has insisted on several occasions that he was counting on him and wanted him to renew, the midfielder has decided to put an end to his time as a Barça player.  

So, the player from Badia is leaving his home. He is leaving the club where he has played all his life and with which he has won every possible title, beacme the captain and leaves practically with a new league title under his arm.  

Busquets' statement

The midfielder announced his departure from Barça on Wednesday with an emotional video posted on his social networks, as well as those of FC Barcelona.

"Hola culés, the time has come to announce that this will be my last season at Barça. Ever since I was a little boy, when I watched the games on TV, I always dreamed of playing with this shirt and in this stadium. The reality has surpassed everything I dreamed of," said Busquets in the video.

"Who would have thought when I arrived as a youth player that I would be able to spend 15 seasons at the best club in the world, the club of my life of which I am and will be a fan, a member and captain, and I have been able to play more than 700 games. It has been an honour, a dream, a pride to be able to represent this crest for so many years. 

"Everything has a beginning and an end, and although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come. I want to thank all the people who have made it possible: club workers, staff, physiotherapists, directors, president, coaches, analysts and above all my teammates, with whom I have shared everything. Thank you. 

"I would also like to thank the members and fans from all over the world, who have given me their support and esteem during all this time. And of course to my family, who have always been by my side in good times and bad, sacrificing many things to accompany me and see me happy. 

"Thank you very much for everything and see you soon in the last matches. Being Barça is the best thing there is".

Busquets, a club legend, is also the third most-capped player in the club's history. A record that will be very hard to beat, having played 718 games since he made his debut on 13 September 2008. 

Considered by many to be one of the best midfielders in the history of the club, and of football in general, the youth player has won a total of 31 titles with FC Barcelona in the 15 seasons he has been a member of the first team.

His track record

With a more than enviable list of honours, the midfielder closes this chapter of his career with 8 La Ligas, 3 Champions League titles, 7 King's Cups, 7 Spanish Super Cups, 3 European Super Cups and 3 Club World Cups, to which must be added a European Championship and a World Cup won with the Spanish national team.