The Barça midfielder concludes his glorious journey at La Roja after nearly 15 years and with 143 caps behind him
After almost fifteen years and 143 international matches, Sergio Busquets announced his retirement from the Spanish team on Friday. The Badia del Vallés midfielder, who wore the captain’s armband at the World Cup in Qatar, has opted to leave La Roja following the failure of the team led by Luis Enrique at the event.
Despite the fact that Luis de la Fuente, the new Spanish coach, made it clear that it was his wish to have Busquets as an important piece in the face of the new phase that is emerging in the national team, the Catalan pivot believes that the it’s time to conclude a glorious journey culminating in South Africa’s 2010 World Cup conquest and 2012 European Football Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
“It was an honor to represent my country and take it to the top, to be world and European champions, to be captain and to play so many games, with more or less success, but always giving everything and contributing my grain of sand so that everything was as good as possible and that everyone felt how important they are, helping everyone and fighting for the same cause, with unique, unforgettable and historic experiences,” said the statement with which Busquets explains the reasons that led him to make a decision that I been meditating for a long time.
“I still get goosebumps when I think about it. I will miss him very much (seeing the roster, taking the airlift, greeting my teammates, enjoying the practices, the endless pocha games, going out to play but not before shouting together, listening to the national anthem, hugging or the affection of an entire country)”, the Catalan ‘stopper’ continues as he recalls the good times he had within the Spanish team, where he was greatly appreciated for his calm and discreet leadership.
Busquets has a memory of all the coaches he has had during his prolific international career. “I want to thank all the people who accompanied me on this long journey. From Vicente del Bosque who gave me the chance to start, to Luis Enrique who let me enjoy it until the last second. I also want to thank Julen Lopetegui, Fernando Hierro and Robert Moreno for their trust, as well as all their staff,” said the Barça footballer.
He also dedicates part of thanking all his teammates at La Roja, with whom he, he points out, fought to “try to take the team where it deserved, with more or less success but always giving everything and with the utmost pride “. He appreciates the work of all members who have accompanied him on this journey, from physios, doctors, kitmen, deputies, nutritionists and staff to the press or members of security. “Also to presidents, managers, sports directors and to those who have been part of the federation in one way or another,” he emphasizes. He is similarly grateful “to all followers, for the daily support received and especially when things didn’t work out” as expected. “And of course, most importantly, my family. For supporting me at all times and in all my decisions and sharing this path while I was away for many days and always making me feel close so that I could give the best of myself,” he concludes.
Busquets was a key figure in La Roja’s best years, as he formed a midfield that is a legend of Spanish football alongside Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta. It also served as the umbilical cord between that unrepeatable generation and the new generation of values promoted by Luis Enrique. On the eve of the Qatari’s appointment, the Asturian coach pointed out that his aim was to convince Busquets to continue in the national team, but the midfielder has chosen to step aside and pave the way within the regeneration process that Luis de la Fuente will undertake. .
“Sergio Busquets is an iconic figure in Spanish football, an exemplary athlete, an impeccable professional and an unquestionable leader,” emphasized the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, as soon as Busquets said goodbye to the national team. The leader of the top federation wanted to highlight Busquets’ role in the dressing room: «Sergio is a quiet, serene leader and is admired by everyone for his humility and naturalness. Champion of all, he has signed an immense career that is already in the history of football. But there is a more important question: his human profile. Sergio is unbeatable in this too. Busquets deserves to decide when and how and our only path is gratitude. Thank you, Sergio, for your dedication and loyalty to the team, you are one of the most important assets of Spanish football,” Rubiales praised.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
