Captain Sergio Busquets has confirmed he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after 18 years at the club.

The former Spain midfielder, 34, has played 718 matches for Barcelona – the third-most in the club’s history.

His list of honours won with the club includes eight La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, seven Spanish Super Cups and three Champions Leagues.

“Although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come,” Busquets said.

“It has been an unforgettable journey,” he added. “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.”

Busquets joined the club in 2005 as a youth player, progressing to Barca’s B side before making his first-team debut under manager Pep Guardiola in a 2008 league game against Racing Santander.

The defensive midfielder, who has also won three European Super Cups and three Club World Cups with the Spanish giants, is on course to end his Barcelona career with a ninth league title.

Xavi’s side are 13 points clear at the top of La Liga with five games remaining.

Over his 15 years with the senior team he has scored 18 goals and provided 40 assists.

In announcing Busquets’ decision to leave the Nou Camp, Barcelona described him as “one of the best players ever to represent the club”.

The former Spain captain retired from international football in December, having won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship with his national side. (BBC)

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