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Barcelona lose another legend! Jordi Alba confirms he will follow Sergio Busquets out of Camp Nou.
After 11 trophy-filled years at Barcelona, Jordi Alba has announced that he will be leaving Camp Nou.
In 2012, the 34-year-old Valencia native signed from there and went on to establish himself as one of the top left-backs of his time. During his stay at Catalunya, he celebrated six La Liga championships, five Copa del Reys, and a Champions League trophy among others.
However, Alba’s time at Barca has come to an end after losing his spot to 19-year-old Alejandro Balde this season, signalling a generational shift to one of the most illustrious teams in the world this summer.
In a video posted to his social media platforms, he announced his choice while reflecting on his illustrious time with the club.
💙❤️ GRÀCIES 💙❤️ GRACIAS 💙❤️ THANK YOU 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/2pARAdY02j
— Jordi Alba (@JordiAlba) May 24, 2023
Barca have also released an official statement bidding farewell to Alba, which reads: “FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the player’s contract with the club one year earlier than it was due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. FC Barcelona would like to publicly express its gratitude to Alba for his professionalism, commitment and dedication, and his ever-positive and friendly relationship with all members of the Barca family, and wishes him every fortune in the future. Barça will always be a home for you, Jordi.”
FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the latter's contract binding him to the club until the end of the 2023/24 season
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2023
Alba follows midfield the foundation Sergio Busquets out of Camp Nou’s exit doors; Busquets announced his resignation earlier this month.
Busquets‘ contract expired at the end of the season, while Alba’s was still active and had one year left on it. According to Relevo writer Toni Juanmarti, the full-back forfeited a substantial portion of his income by leaving this summer since it was due to him in deferred payments.
Although Saudi Arabia has been mentioned as a possible destination for the Spaniard to spend the upcoming season, there has also been talk of a surprise transfer to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
For the time being, though, preparations will be made for a last farewell for both Alba and Busquets at Camp Nou, when Barca hosts Mallorca in a league match on Sunday.