SERGIO BUSQUETS has reportedly decided to NOT sign an extension at Barcelona and will leave this summer.
The 34-year-old club captain, who came through the youth ranks at the Nou Camp, is said to have informed Barca of his decision today.
Marca claims that the Spanish World Cup winner was wary of staying past his prime and did not want to damage his legendary status with a decline in performances.
And another Spanish publication, SPORT, claims that they have discovered that “Saudi Arabia is positioned as the number one option for Busquets’ new destination”.
They did also add that he has not yet agreed to join any team in the Middle East, but they did reiterate that he has made his mind up that his time at Barca is over.
Barcelona boss Xavi, the former midfield partner of Busquets, wanted his skipper to remain with the Catalans after fifteen trophy-laden seasons.
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But the financially-stricken club were unable to offer him an acceptable proposal.
An official announcement is set to be made over the coming days ahead of what could be their LaLiga title-clinching game with city rivals Espanyol this weekend regarding his exit.
And Barcelona will no doubt want to honour one of their most iconic names before the end of the campaign with a final farewell at the Nou Camp.
Meanwhile, the MLS could also be another potential option on the table for the veteran.
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His old team-mate Lionel Messi could also move to America with Inter Miami keen on snapping up the Argentine when his contract expires at Paris Saint-Germain in June.
Busquets has been as influential as ever for Barcelona this term as he chases a ninth LaLiga title with his boyhood club.
As well as winning both the World Cup and Euros with his country, the star has lifted the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup on three separate occasions with Barca.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
