(Football News) Sergio Busquets is set to leave Barcelona at the end of the season and according to reports he has informed his close friend and manager Xavi about his decision as he has also internally informed the club about it. The Barca captain’s current contract expires on June 30 as the Barçelona hierarchy had offered him a fresh contract for one year with an option to extend it for another twelve months based on the number of appearances.
The new deal would have meant that Busquets would have to accept a lower salary which is almost one-third of his current wages. Although for Busquests, money was never a major factor in his decision. Xavi Hernandez has always publicly hinted at keeping hold of his former teammate and current captain but it seems like he is set for a different experience next season. With players returning to training today after a mini holiday provided by Xavi, Busquets is understood to make an official announcement soon.
According to Spanish reports the former Spanish international was mulling over the possibility of leaving the club for some time now. Over the recent season, it has not always been easy for Busquets with Barcelona going through a lot of financial fair play issues where the club veterans were forced to take a pay cut and the veterans were also targeted by a section of supporters during this grim phase in the club’s history. He is set to lead Barça to the La Liga title this season as the 34-year-old feels it is the perfect time for him to call his time at Barca.
Busquets might want to wait until the La Liga title is won, which might happen against Espanyol later this weekend. Busquests made his debut for the first team back in 2008 under Pep Guardiola and since then he has established himself as a legend at the club. A move to either Saudi Arabia or the USA could be on the cards for the 34-year-old, while some reports suggested that Busquets’ departure could also affect Barcelona’s chances of re-signing Lionel Messi. Some have touted him to join Messi at Al Hilal next season if the 7 time Ballon D’or winner joins the club.
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