Xabi Alonso, current Real Madrid coach, did not overlook the announcement by Sergio Busquets, who at 37 years old confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season with Inter Miami. Both shared a dressing room in the Spanish national team that won historic titles and, in that context, the coach praised the figure of his former teammate.

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"I congratulate him on the entire career he's had. Busi has been a great teammate, we really enjoyed playing together for the national team," said Alonso, underlining the importance of the midfielder in any team he played for.

The Basque coach highlighted, above all, Busquets' tactical intelligence. "He's one of those players who sustains the team. Collective, generous, very intelligent in his decision-making, in knowing how to anticipate what's going to happen. He wasn't the fastest, but he was intelligent with his head. He was always a second ahead and made the right decisions," he stated.

Alonso, who is preparing for the Madrid Derby, closed his message with congratulations and a wish for the future of his former teammate: "I hope he enjoys the last matches he has left and congratulations on a brilliant career. I hope he remains, because then he'll surely return to the pitch."

A career marked by loyalty and stability

Bussets' announcement came via a video on social media. In it, the midfielder expressed his gratitude for everything he's experienced and confirmed that he will end his career at the end of the MLS season.

"These will be my last months on the pitch. I'm retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled, and above all, grateful. Thank you all very much, see you soon," he expressed.

The player born in Badia del Valles built a career distinguished by loyalty: he only wore two shirts. With FC Barcelona, ??he played 722 matches, scored 18 goals, and provided 46 assists in more than 56,000 minutes. He was an essential part of the famous tiki-taka system that led the Catalan club to dominate Europe.

"Thank you all and thank you to football for so much. You will always be part of this beautiful story (...) Football has given me unique experiences, in wonderful places alongside the best travel companions," Busquets added in his farewell message.

In his current spell with Inter Miami, he continues to be a protagonist. Under the management of Javier Mascherano, he has played 38 games this season, including the League Cup and Club World Cup, providing eight assists.