Captain Sergio Busquets has confirmed he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season after 18 years at the club.
The 34-year-old former Spain midfielder has made 718 appearances for Barcelona – the third most in the club’s history.
His record won with the club includes eight La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, 7 Spanish Super Cups and three Champions Leagues.
“Although it was not an easy decision, I think the time has come,” Busquets said.
“It was an unforgettable trip,” he added. “I always dreamed of playing with this shirt and in this stadium. The reality exceeded all my dreams.
“It has been an honor, a dream, a source of pride, and it has meant everything to defend and represent this badge for so many years.
“But everything has a beginning and an end. I want to thank everyone who made this possible, from the first day to the last.”
Busquets joined the club in 2005 as a youth player, progressing to Barca’s B team before making his first-team debut under manager Pep Guardiola in a 2008 league game against Racing Santander.
The defensive midfielder, who also won three European Super Cups and three Club World Cups with the Spanish giants, is on course to end his Barcelona career with a ninth league title.
Xavi’s side are 13 points clear at the top of La Liga with five games remaining.
During his 15 years with the senior team, he scored 18 goals and provided 40 assists.
Announcing Busquets’ decision to leave Camp Nou, Barcelona described him as ‘one of the best players to ever represent the club’.
The former Spain captain retired from international football in December, having won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship with his national team.
