Sergio Busquets, the leaving captain of Barcelona, has received high praise from Xavi.
While Xavi’s club is on the verge of winning its first La Liga championship since 2019, Busquets has announced his intention to depart the Camp Nou when his La Blaugrana contract expires at the end of June.
The seasoned midfielder will weigh his alternatives before deciding whether to join a new team or hang up his boots this summer..
When questioned about the legacy Busquets would leave at Barcelona, Xavi was unwavering in his opinion that the 34-year-old is one of the greatest midfielders ever.
“For me, Busquets is the best midfielder I’ve ever seen. The most intelligent I’ve seen in my career”, as per reports from Marca.
“It seems unfair that he was not nominated for the Ballon d’Or.”
Busquets has made the decision to end his stay at Barcelona
Although he added that Busquets’ choice to depart this summer will be “detrimental” to the squad given that the former Spain international is still a regular starter, Xavi said he appreciates and understands it.
Ballon d’Or claim was made by Barcelona manager Xavi
Busquets played in many of those matches as a third player in a midfield with Xavi and Andres Iniesta, who have both placed on the Ballon d’Or podium in the past. Busquets has only been nominated once, placing 20th in 2012. This is Busquets’ best position in the Ballon d’Or standings. It is rather remarkable given the player’s caliber and the quantity of accolades he has garnered throughout his career.
Sergio Busquets has won every prize there is to win throughout his club and national careers. For his club team, Barcelona, he has won numerous championships, including three UEFA Champions League crowns, eight La Liga titles, three UEFA Տᴜрег Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.
The international career of Busquets is also adorned. He was a member of the Spanish squad that won the 2010 World Championship. In addition, Busquets and La Roja won the UEFA Euro in 2012.
Busquets will depart Barcelona as the third-highest appearance maker for the team, behind only Xavi and Lionel Messi.
Busquets played 719 times for Barcelona during the course of his illustrious career. As Barca is so near to winning the La Liha this season, he looks certain to win his 32nd trophy before leaving the club in the summer, bringing his total to 31 during his stay there.
He will win the La Liga championship in 2022/23, which would mark his 32nd major championship as a Barcelona player, and he will soon catch Messi’s record of ten league titles, being one of the greatest midfielders of all time at the age of 34.
The midfielder has not yet геᴠеаℓеԀ his future team. Busquets has already stepped down from the international game, but he is certain to stay in club play. One of the best midfielders of the modern age may be on the verge of joining the MLS.
According to ESPN, Mateu Alemany, the director of football, will also be leaving. He has been in advanced talks to join Aston Villa of the Premier League.
“We are losing an important asset,” Xavi said of Alemany. “He has been a key person in restructuring the club, along with [sporting director] Jordi [Cruyff]. It has been a pleasure working with him and it’s a big loss.”