Sergio Busquets to leave Barcelona this summer

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has decided to leave the club when his contract expires this summer, according to Marca.

The Barca captain wanted to leave, but the club had been trying to keep him for another year.

The defensive midfielder was considering their offer but has turned it down. The Catalan will announce his decision imminently.

He may wait until Barca clinch the La Liga title. They top the league with 13 points and can get over the line at Espanyol on Sunday.

Barca will miss one of their stalwarts for the past 15 years. He came through Barca’s famed La Masia academy to become one of the best central midfielders in the world.

Busquets was part of Barcelona’s famous midfield trio with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

He took up the leadership mantle when they retired and remained a cog in other successful Barca teams.

The 34-year-old has made 719 appearances for Barcelona, bagging 18 goals and 45 assists.

He has won 32 titles for his boyhood club, including eight La Liga and three Champions League titles.

The Spain international carried his success to the world stage, where he won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.

After leaving Barcelona, it is unclear where Busquets will go, but he will likely continue playing.

Major League Soccer club Inter Miami have shown interest in signing him, while Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal also want him.

Both clubs also want to sign Lionel Messi, but the Argentine international is keen to return to Barcelona.