FC Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced that he will leave the club after the end of this season.
Busquets has been playing for Barcelona ever since he was a teenager.
The 34-year-old joined Barca from Jabac Terrassa as a 15-year-old and went on to make more than 700 appearances for 26-time Spanish champions, winning 23 major honours including eight La Liga and three Champions Leagues titles.
His contract with Barcelona will expire on June 30.
"The moment has arrived to announce this is my last season at Barcelona," said Busquets on Instagram "It has been an unforgettable journey."
He then continued to say how does it feel to serve his club for 18 years.
"It has been an honour, a dream, a pride. It has been everything to be able to defend and represent this badge for so many years, but everything has a beginning and an end," continued Busquets. "Although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come."
“The reality has exceeded all my dreams. I wouldn't have believed you if you told me when I arrived as a youth player that I would play 15 seasons for the best club in the world, the club of my life, of which I have been, am and always will be a fan, member, player, captain, and surpass 700 matches," he added.
The Spaniard has left the topic of his future open. There have been reports of him joining the Saudi League, where footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo moved to in January 2023.
According to sources, Busquets might join the Saudi club Al-Hilal along with his former teammate Lionel Messi, who is eying a move from the French capital.
As well as his honours with Barca, Busquets also won 143 caps with Spain and lifted both the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships with his country.
The 34-year-old is likely to leave Barca with another title, as Xavi’s men are 13 points clear at the top of the table and are just 3 points away from being crowned as the Spanish champions.