By Barcelona legend Jordi Alba announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current MLS season. The 36-year-old has decided to bring his illustrious career to an end, following in the footsteps of close friend and former teammate Sergio Busquets, who also recently confirmed his retirement.
Alba, who made 110 appearances for Valencia and 459 for Barcelona, shared the news on Instagram, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“The time has come to close an important chapter in my life. I’ve decided to end my professional career at the end of this season,” Alba wrote. “I do so with complete conviction, fulfillment, and happiness. I’ve lived this journey with all the enthusiasm in the world, and now it’s time to close one stage and begin another, full of excitement and hope.”
“Football has given me everything. I’m deeply grateful to my teammates, coaches, and all the clubs that have shaped my journey”.
He continued; To Atlético Centro Hospitalense, where it all began; to Cornellà, which gave me the tools to develop; to Nàstic, where I learned what it meant to be in a professional dressing room and matured alongside great teammates; to Valencia, the club that made my dream of playing in La Liga come true; and to FC Barcelona, the club of my life where I grew up as a child, reached the peak of my career, and spent more than a decade achieving every possible title.
To the Spanish national team, it was an honour to wear that shirt. And finally, to Inter Miami, thank you for welcoming me so warmly and giving me the chance to enjoy football once more. And to all the fans, thank you for your constant love and support.
