Unveiling The Exceptional Rivalry Of Two Football Titans: Sergio Busquets’ Praise For Modric – Respect From Rival El Clásico

Sergio Busquets, the talented midfielder, has garnered praise from the football world following his announcement on Wednesday that he will leave Barcelona in June, as his contract comes to an end, marking the end of a highly successful era with the Camp Nou club.

Busquets announced on Wednesday that he will leave Barcelona in June.
Busquets announced on Wednesday that he will leave Barcelona in June.
Busquets has clinched the UEFA Champions League title three times with Barcelona and is on the verge of securing his ninth La Liga trophy this season. With a comfortable 13-point lead at the top of the table with just five rounds to go, the Catalan giants could even be crowned champions of Spain for the first time in four years this weekend. The 34-year-old midfielder wrote on Instagram, “It is time to announce that this will be my last season at Barcelona. It has been an unforgettable journey. It has been an honor, a dream, and a source of pride! Protecting and representing this badge for many years has been priceless, but everything has a beginning and an end. Although it is not an easy decision, I believe the time has come.”

This 34-year-old player has been an integral part of Barcelona since joining the first team under the management of Pep Guardiola in 2008, before becoming the club captain in 2021. Busquets ranks third on Barcelona’s all-time appearances list, having played 718 matches and won 31 titles. Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez, who spent many years alongside Busquets in midfield, wants him to stay for the upcoming season but acknowledges that the final decision lies with the player.

Busquets’ past and current teammates have paid tribute to him on social media. Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram: “On the field, you’ve always been number 5, but in reality, as a player and as a person, you’re number 10, Busi! Thank you for everything on and off the pitch.”

Defender Jordi Alba also expressed his sentiments for his teammate: “My friend, we’ve been through so much together, what can I say that you don’t already know? You’re leaving your home, a place where you’ve left an indelible mark in Barcelona’s history. Over 700 games and a fundamental part of many titles and unforgettable nights that all Barca fans will cherish.”

The “legend” Busquets tribute
The 34-year-old midfielder has been an indispensable part of Barcelona since joining the first team in 2008.

“Sergio is part of our badge, and he will always consider Barca his home,” said Barcelona President Joan Laporta in a video, hinting that one day the player will return in a different capacity: “He is a Barca fan from his roots and has Barca in his blood – he will have a longer journey at Barca.”

Even former rivals have expressed their respect, with Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric stating, “One of the best players I’ve faced.”

On the international stage, Busquets has achieved success with the Spanish national team, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and the UEFA European Championship in 2012. He has been a key member of the national team for nearly 15 years until retiring from international duty in December last year after the 2022 World Cup – Busquets was the only member of the 2010 World Cup-winning squad to feature in Qatar, as Spain bowed out in the Round of 16.

As for the future, there are rumors that Busquets may move to a team in Saudi Arabia, where former rival Cristiano Ronaldo and former teammate Messi are also speculated to potentially move at the end of the season.