Jordi Alba leaves Barca.

Spanish left-back Jordi Alba will leave La Liga champions on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

Alba's contract with Barca was valid until June 2024, but both sides decided to terminate it a year early. "Barca would like to express their gratitude to Jordi Alba for his professionalism, commitment, dedication, and the friendly and positive relationship he had with all members of the Barca family, and wish him all the best in the future," the club's statement on May 24th read. "Barca will always be a home for you, Jordi."

Many players also sent farewell messages to Alba. According to Lionel Messi, Alba was more than just a teammate. "It was great to be able to enjoy our personal relationship," Messi wrote on Instagram . "Wishing you and your family all the best. I hope your new stage will continue to bring you much success and joy. Thank you for everything, Jordi. A big hug."

Alba celebrates his goal in Barca's 1-0 win against Osasuna on May 2nd, his most recent goal for the club. Photo: EFE — Alba celebrates his goal in Barca's 1-0 win against Osasuna on May 2nd, his most recent goal for the club. Photo: *EFE*

Alba joined Barca from Valencia in 2012. After 11 years, the 34-year-old Spaniard has become one of the best left-backs of his generation. He has contributed to Barca winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, four Spanish Super Cups, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

With the Spanish national team, Alba participated in three European Championships and three World Cups. His greatest success on the international stage was winning Euro 2012. In the final of that tournament, Spain defeated Italy 4-0, Alba scored one goal.

Alba's decision to leave marks a generational shift at Barca. In the 2022-2023 season, Alba only played 29 matches in all competitions. The starting position now belongs to Alejandro Balde, a 19-year-old who has played 43 matches.

Two weeks before Alba's announcement, another Barca legend, Sergio Busquets, also confirmed his departure. The 34-year-old captain's contract is about to expire and he does not want to renew it.

According to Goal , Alba and Busquets could join a Saudi Arabian club. Cristiano Ronaldo also plays for a club in that country, Al Nassr. However, Japan and the United States are also options for the two former Barca stars. Inter Miami, the American club owned by former football legend David Beckham, has been pursuing Busquets since 2021.

In the 2022-2023 season, Barca won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. In the Super Cup match, Alba and his teammates beat Real Madrid 3-1. They secured La Liga four rounds early, leading Real Madrid by 14 points. Alba and Busquets also played at least two more matches for Barca, against Mallorca and Celta Vigo.

Thanh Quy (according to FCB, Instagram )

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