Barcelona icon and current Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets has dropped a bombshell on the football world. The Spanish maestro has announced he'll retire at the end of this MLS season. After helping Inter Miami qualify for the playoffs, Busquets will have just a few more weeks to showcase his legendary talents.
At 37, Busquets is calling time on a career that most players can only dream about. He's won absolutely everything – a World Cup, European Championship, nine La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, and seven Copa del Reys. Talk about going out with a trophy cabinet that's practically bursting!
Busquets' journey began at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy. He went on to spend 18 incredible years with the Catalan giants before making the move to MLS in 2023. At Inter Miami, he's been reunited with his former Barça teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
The Guardiola Connection
When we talk about Busquets, we have to mention Pep Guardiola. The midfielder was the heartbeat of Guardiola's revolutionary tiki-taka style that saw Barcelona dominate European football. That same brilliance helped Spain become world-beaters, with Busquets earning an impressive 137 caps for his country.
Busquets shared his retirement news on Instagram with a touching message: "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."
Inter Miami's statement praised his "vision and quality in midfield" and highlighted his contributions to their Supporters' Shield and Leagues Cup triumphs. They're clearly hoping he can help deliver one final trophy before he calls it quits.
What's Next for Busquets?
The timing feels perfect for Busquets to bow out alongside his long-time Barcelona teammate Messi. The MLS regular season runs until mid-October, with playoffs extending into December. That gives fans a few more chances to see this midfield genius in action.
But what comes after retirement? Pep Guardiola might have dropped a hint back in 2023 when Busquets left Barcelona. "Busquets was the best, able to read everything that happens and anticipate situations," Guardiola said. "I think he will be an exceptional coach."
For betting enthusiasts, Inter Miami's playoff chances just got more interesting. With Busquets determined to end his career on a high, expect Miami to show extra motivation in the coming weeks. They're already looking like strong contenders with their star-studded lineup.
The retirement announcement could light a fire under the entire Miami squad. This team now has the added motivation of trying to send a legend out with one more trophy. For anyone considering playoff bets, Miami's determination factor just went up several notches.
When the final whistle blows on Busquets' career, football will lose one of its greatest midfield minds. A player who never needed pace or flashy skills – just an extraordinary football brain that could solve any problem on the pitch.
