The Josep Pedrerol column: Best Barça ever ends with Busquets' exit

With the farewell of Sergio Busquets, recognised on Sunday by supporters as what he is, a legend of the club and one of the best midfielders in history, the end of the best Barcelona ever was certified. The one of touch and fast-paced football, the one of the six-trophy year, a team admired all over the world. Sergio, always discreet but fundamental, was the last survivor of that unforgettable squad. 

Also bidding farewell to Barça was Jordi Alba, who arrived a little later, but who will always be remembered as an extraordinary left-back. Both could not hide their emotion, especially Jordi, as they embarked on a new path. It is normal. It is difficult to say goodbye to what has been your home for so many years, but Sergio and Jordi have been able to leave on time, through the front door, recognised by everyone. And they haven't had it easy. Barça tried to sell Alba in a bad way, even telling him which club he had to go to. He resisted and continued to perform at a high level until the arrival of Balde ended his undisputed status. 

Busquets' presence has been dosed and he has received criticism (especially after the tragic nights in Europe), but no one has been able to take his place and he has ended up as he started back in 2008, as a regular. Now, aware that time is passing and that it is better to leave before you are pushed, he has taken a step to the side, despite Xavi wanting him to continue. It is a credit to him.

Both were great accomplices of Lionel Messi in the dressing room and on the pitch and true references for the younger players. With them, a chapter comes to an end with the farewell to Camp Nou. The seats were dismantled, the turf was torn up... And the difficult move to Montjuic began. Uncertain times are coming for the club, it will not be easy to attract fans to a temporary home in a different part of the city.

To make matters worse, it will be very difficult to attract fans with big signings. The economic crisis has been raging for too long and has made it impossible to revamp the squad. That's the way it is. It is time, which is no small thing, to rely on La Masia more than ever, the real bastion of the institution. A talent factory that nurtures the first team with extraordinary efficiency. Let's hope that the fans manage to get their hopes up again. Xavi's league success, no doubt, will help.

Is there any greater joy than promotion? Saturday's images following the promotions of Granada and Unión Deportiva Las Palmas confirm one thing: returning to the top flight is as much, if not more, a cause for celebration than a title. Congratulations to two cities and two sets of, once again, LaLiga supporters.

The shame of the VAR. Espanyol suffered in Mestalla a new VAR nonsense as they drew with Valencia and were related to the second division. It is urgent to solve the problems with VAR; to do something about it. Do it now. My thoughts are with Espanyol, a Primera team. And congratulations to Valencia, they are very close to their goal of survival.