Former Barcelona and Spain legendary international defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets has announced that he will officially retire at the end of the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season on Friday via his official Instagram account, ending his 18-year professional football career.

"Hello everyone," I think the moment has finally come for me to say goodbye to you as a professional footballer. This incredible story I've always dreamed of and enjoyed for almost 20 years", Busquets wrote in a statement.

"Football has given me a unique and wonderful experience, with the best companions. I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood, from Badia to the Barça reserve team, and along the way, with Barbera, Lleida, and Jàbac."

"Thank you to FC Barcelona, the club of my life, for allowing me to fulfill my childhood dream, wear my beloved jersey, play hundreds of games, celebrate many championships, and experience moments at the Camp Nou that I will never forget."

"Thank you to the Spain national team for allowing me to represent them for so many years. I am deeply honoured to have achieved so many things. These accomplishments will be forever etched in my heart."

"Thank you to Inter Miami for allowing me to be a part of such a young and growing club. I wanted to gain new experiences and contribute my talents here."

"Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and staff who I've worked with, and everyone with whom I've shared these beautiful and unforgettable memories. You are the best thing I take away."

"Thank you to all the fans around the world for the love and respect you've shown me. I strive very hard to repay your support."

"Of course, I want to thank my family for their tireless support since I was a child, for constantly bringing me joy and helping me achieve my dreams."

"To my wife and children, the pillars of my life, thank you for always being there for me through the good and the bad. I love you all forever."

"The next few months will be the final days on the pitch, and I will retire with joy, pride, satisfaction, and gratitude. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. See you soon."

With this announcement, the "Iniesta-Xavi-Busquets - La Masia alumni trio" who once embodied Barcelona and Spain's "Tiki-Taka" tactics have officially bid farewell to their illustrious professional careers.

About Sergio Busquets

Busquets, 37, was born on July 16, 1988, in Sabadell, Catalonia, Spain. He is 1.90 meters tall and plays as a defensive midfielder. His father, Carles, is a legendary former Barcelona goalkeeper.

Busquets played for the youth academies of non-league clubs Badia, Barbera, and Jábac, as well as the youth academy of lower-league club Lleida. He joined Barcelona's renowned La Masia youth academy in 2005, began playing for the Barça B team in 2007, and made his Barcelona first-team debut the following September.

During his 16-year spell at Barcelona, Busquets won nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, seven Supercopa de España titles, three Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cup titles, and three FIFA Club World Cup titles with the club.

After his contract expired in the summer of 2023, Busquets joined Inter Miami on a free transfer.

Since joining Inter Miami, Busquets has made 105 appearances for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club in all competitions so far, scoring one goal and providing 16 assists. During which he has won the Leagues Cup once and the MLS Supporters' Shield once with the club.

Internationally, Busquets played 143 times for the Spain national team between 2009 and 2022, scoring two goals and providing nine assists. During which he has won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the 2012 European Championship, and reached the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League final.