Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed exit-bound Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, saying that while players come and go, the veteran’s impact in Barça’s XI has been huge.
Sergio Busquets decided to call time on his illustrious Barcelona tenure after deciding to leave the team at the end of the season. Many believed that the decision is largely linked to Lionel Messi’s future and that the duo will end up in Saudi Arabia after all.
However, speaking to the media after receiving the La Liga winner’s trophy on Saturday night, the midfielder affirmed that it is certainly not the case.
“My future linked to Messi’s? Everyone wants to play with Leo, he is the best in the world. But my future is not linked to Leo’s future,” he said.
“I haven’t signed anything yet. There is interest from several clubs but I won’t make a decision until the end of the season, now it’s time to enjoy,” he added.
Busquets’ trophy-ridden career at Barcelona has seen its fair share of ups and downs. However, the midfielder has always managed to defy the odds. Although the last few months of his Barcelona contract were a bit difficult, he made sure his legacy stays intact.
Speaking on the same line, former Barça head coach Pep Guardiola said that Busquets is proof that the team has an eye for talent.
“This type of club is never the end of an era. Players arrive and leave. His [Busquets’] impact as a holding midfielder in 15-20 years is massive. This club has the talent to reorganise and rebuild,” he was quoted by Manchester Evening News.
“He was the best, read everything that happened, and anticipated the situation. Didn’t move much from the centre, and could solve all the problems with his brain. Fascinating to work with him and learn from him. I have said it privately that he will become an exceptional manager,” he added.
Barcelona will finish the 2022/23 season with two trophies and Guardiola said that it is not enough for a team as big as Barcelona.
“One title is not enough. They were able to win La Liga but lost in the European competitions. All the clubs push for the next steps, and that is when you become one of the best clubs in the world,” he concluded.
