Xavi lauds midfield great Busquets following Spain retirement

Xavi paid tribute to Sergio Busquets following his decision to retire from international football, describing him as one of the greatest midfielders in history.

Busquets announced his retirement from Spain duty on Friday having captained La Roja in each of their four games at the World Cup in Qatar.

Busquets’ miss in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Morocco in the last 16 provided a less-than-fitting end to his stellar career with Spain, for whom he made 143 senior appearances.

The 34-year-old starred alongside his Barcelona team-mate-turned-coach Xavi as Spain won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, and the Blaugrana boss believes few can match his impact.

“In the end, it’s a personal decision that you make when you feel the time is right,” Xavi told Barcelona’s website. “I wish him the best, now he will be able to rest more and focus on Barca.

“He is a player who has made history. He is one of the best midfielders that football has produced worldwide and, for sure, the best defensive midfielder in the history of Spain.”

Xavi on Sergio Busquets’s announcement that he is retiring from the Spain national team pic.twitter.com/pIga3KNy4f

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 16, 2022

Fellow Barcelona star Jordi Alba said Busquets will be “sorely missed” by Spain, who will be led by Luis de la Fuente in Euro 2024 qualifying after Luis Enrique left his role as head coach.

“You have always been a great leader for all of us who are part of the team, both in good times and in bad,” Alba wrote on Twitter.

“After so many training sessions and games together in the national team, today you say goodbye and you will be sorely missed, friend.

“Thank you for what you have contributed to us and for everything you have given.”

Orgullo de capitán y de compañero. Siempre has sido un gran líder para todos los que formamos parte de la @sefutbol.

Después de tantos momentos juntos en la selección, hoy te despides, y se te echará mucho de menos, amigo. Gracias por todo lo que nos has dado. Eres único. pic.twitter.com/L3BAoBC1D8

— Jordi Alba (@JordiAlba) December 16, 2022