‘It’s Been A Gift And A Pleasure’ – Sergio Busquets, Raphinha, FC Barcelona & Riqui Puig Lead Tributes As Inter Miami’s Jordi Alba Announces Retirement

Football is bidding farewell to another legend, as Jordi Alba has announced he will retire at the end of the MLS season. The Inter Miami full-back, 35, shocked fans and teammates alike with his decision, marking the end of an era for one of Barcelona’s most celebrated defenders.

A Legacy That Spans Barcelona And Miami

Alba, part of the golden Barcelona generation that dominated world football, carried his winning mentality across the Atlantic when he joined Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. His retirement means Miami will bid goodbye to another member of the iconic Barça core that reunited in MLS.

Busquets’ Emotional Tribute

Sergio Busquets, who himself will hang up his boots at season’s end, led the tributes to his longtime teammate and close friend.

“Congratulations, Jordi, on your incredible career. It’s been a gift and a pleasure to share so many moments together on and off the pitch. I wish you all the best and, as always, to keep sharing family moments together. We love you so much, family,” Busquets wrote on Instagram, reposting Alba’s heartfelt farewell video.

Tributes From Barcelona And Beyond

FC Barcelona, Raphinha, and Riqui Puig also expressed gratitude and admiration for Alba’s career. At Camp Nou, the left-back made over 450 appearances, winning multiple La Liga titles, Champions Leagues, and Copa del Reys, cementing himself as one of the best in his position of his generation.

End Of An Era

For Inter Miami, Alba’s retirement is more than just the departure of a player – it symbolizes the gradual closing of the Barça chapter that defined the club’s star power in recent seasons. Fans will have one last chance to see him in action as Miami continues its MLS campaign.

As Alba prepares to step away, he leaves behind not just trophies and accolades, but also memories of blistering runs down the left wing, iconic link-ups with Messi, and a career defined by passion, consistency, and family.