Xavi On Sergio Busquets: “He Is The Best Midfielder In Barcelona History”
FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández was full of praise for Sergio Busquets, who this week announced that he will leave Barça after 15 seasons with the first team.
“It is very important for Busquets to leave after winning a league title, feeling important and valued. His departure hurts us as a team, but he made the right decision,” Xavi said on Saturday in words reported by Mundo Deportivo.
“As well as being a friend, he is the most intelligent player I have ever played with. He has been a 10 in everything, in conduct, delivery, attitude… He is the best midfielder in Barça’s history without a doubt,” Xavi added.
“He is the best midfielder I have ever seen. When he was not among the nominees for the Ballon d’Or it seemed an injustice to me. Football has many injustices and this was one of them. I see just what you say, that among the best midfielders in history are Iniesta, me (laughs) and there I would also include Busquets.”
Barcelona can win the La Liga title this weekend when they face Catalan rivals Espanyol on Sunday night.
At the time of writing, Xavi’s side are 13 points ahead of Atlético Madrid in second place with just five games to go in the 2022-23 campaign.
Piqué invited
Should Barça win La Liga this Sunday, the club have organised a joint celebration with the women’s first team, also league champions, through the streets of Barcelona. Gerard Piqué could also be on the buses that will take the players along the fixed route, in addition to the entire current squads of both teams.
Xavi was asked if they were considering inviting the centre-back, who retired last November, and the Barça coach gave the go-ahead for his presence at the celebrations. “We have thought about the issue and we will invite Gerard Piqué so that he can celebrate the title. He is a special case because he retired. Others who were also in the squad left in January and are now at other clubs.”
