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Sergio Busquets to Retire at End of MLS Season After Glittering Career with Barcelona, Spain and Inter Miami

Sergio Busquets, one of Spanish football’s most decorated midfielders, has announced that he will bring an end to his playing career in December, when the Major League Soccer season concludes. The 38-year-old Inter Miami star leaves behind a legacy defined by elegance, intelligence, and consistency in the heart of midfield.

Busquets spent nearly two decades at Barcelona, where he became a pillar of the club’s golden era. After joining La Masia in 2005, he rose swiftly through the youth ranks before Pep Guardiola handed him his first-team debut in 2008 against Racing Santander. From there, he became indispensable, amassing 722 appearances—the third-most in Barça’s history—while collecting 32 major trophies, including nine La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

On the international stage, Busquets earned 143 caps for Spain. He was pivotal in the nation’s historic triumphs at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012, cementing his reputation as one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation. He retired from international duty in December 2022 as Spain’s third-most capped player.

In 2023, Busquets embarked on a new chapter in Major League Soccer, joining Inter Miami alongside former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. His composure and tactical nous were instrumental in guiding the Florida club to the MLS play-offs this season, secured with a resounding 4-0 victory over New York City FC.

Reflecting on his career in a farewell message, Busquets said: “It’s been almost 20 years of living the dream I always imagined. I retire happy, proud, fulfilled, and above all, grateful.”

The MLS Cup final will be held on 6 December, offering Busquets one final chance to add silverware to a career already brimming with honors.

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