Sergio Busquets is set to leave Barcelona at the end of the season, in what will mark the end of an era for the Catalan giants. The Spaniard is the last remaining player from the legendary Pep Guardiola team, still at Camp Nou. And following the announcement, Real Madrid superstar, Luka Modric, has paid tribute to his long-time rival on the pitch.
Busquets is one of the best midfielders of his generation without doubt. And many feel that he often does not get the credit that he deserves because he does not play the flashiest role on the pitch.
One player who also did not get his due credit for years is Modric. The Croatian was not considered amongst the best players of this generation until recent years. Not only has he won numerous honours with Real Madrid, but he has won the Ballon d’Or as well. And it looks like he holds Busquets in the highest of regard.
Modric wrote on Twitter about Busquets:
"One of the best midfielders I’ve ever played against. It has been a pleasure."
Real Madrid superstar pays tribute to Busquets as he is set to leave Barcelona
Busquets has done an incredible job for Barcelona over the years. But at the same time, this might be the right time for him to leave the club considering that they are entering a new era while the Spaniard is set to turn 35 years of age in the summer.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Busquets has made 719 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 45 assists in that time for the Catalan giants.
Of course, there is not a lot of time left in Modric’s own career at Real Madrid either. He is 37 years of age and while he remains an important part of the team, sooner or later, he will be replaced in the starting XI. The club are rumoured to be closing in on a move for Jude Bellingham.