Sergio Busquets is reportedly expected to make a summer move to a Saudi Arabian club after announcing his departure from Barcelona.
The Catalan giants confirmed on Wednesday that the legendary 34-year-old will end his trophy-laden 15-year professional career at Camp Nou when his contract expires at the end of the season.
"Although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come," Busquets said in a social media video. "It has been an unforgettable journey. I always dreamed of playing with this shirt and at this stadium. Reality has exceeded all my dreams.
"It has been an honour, a dream, a source of pride, and it meant everything to defend and represent this badge for so many years. But everything has a beginning and an end. I want to thank all the people who made this possible, from the first day to the last.
"I wouldn't have believed you if you told me when I arrived as a youth player that I would play 15 seasons for the best club in the world, the club of my life, of which I have been, am and always will be a fan, member, player, captain, and surpass 700 matches."
Despite Barca head coach Xavi and club president Joan Laporta consistently expressing their desire to keep hold of Busquets, the Spanish midfielder will see out the latter years of his career away from Camp Nou.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Busquets is expected to move to Saudi Arabia and is already in advanced talks with a club from the Middle Eastern country.
Busquets has been tipped to potentially end his playing career in MLS, with David Beckham's Inter Miami said to be interested in his services.
However, Romano claims that the midfielder is more likely to join a club in Saudi Arabia than complete a summer switch to the United States.
A recent report from El Chiringuito states that Busquets is set to accept a two-year offer to join Al-Hilal along with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.
Messi has spent the last two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain but he is expected to leave the Parisian outfit when his contract expires at the end of the season and has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Busquets and Messi won a total of 28 trophies together at Barcelona, including eight La Liga titles and four Champions League, although the former has added to his tally this season after lifting the Spanish Super Cup in January and is also on the verge of winning a ninth Spanish top-flight title.
Despite their well-documented financial concerns, Barcelona have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, including Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the likes of Real Betis' Guido Rodriguez, Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and Fiorentina's Sofyan Abrabat. body check tags ::
