Sergio Busquets (Badia del Vallès, 1988) smiles. At the age of 34, FC Barcelona's most important midfielder of the last 15 years along with Xavi and Iniesta is experiencing his most intense and nostalgic week. "In December, when I saw that the team had options to win the League, I decided that my stage was over", he explains while taking his chair to attend to La Vanguardia. Eager to live new experiences away from what he has always known, the captain will set course for a less demanding football. Far from Europe He would not bear having to face his Barça, a club he hopes to return to as a coach.
Did you expect this goodbye?
No. And look, I gave it a whirl, but it was much better than I expected. I am very happy and grateful for everything I have experienced and felt these past few weeks. And assimilating everything that has to come, which will be very different from what I'm used to. You are leaving your home for the first time and this is a change in every way.
How do you define Sergio Busquets after 15 years at Barcelona?
I'm calmer. Being captain has also made me gain empathy because you have to be aware of everything and all the players. Make sure they are fine. And since I'm a father I'm also more sensitive.
To what extent did his father influence him in the decision to become a footballer?
With the jobs of the parents, two completely opposite things can happen to you. Be clear that under no circumstances do you want to dedicate yourself to the same thing or that you want to be like them. The second happened to me. Living my beginnings watching my father was a luxury.
What would he have done if he hadn't reached the elite?
I really like sports and I think I have a pretty easy time practicing almost all of them. So it is clear to me that I would have studied INEF.
What sports do you like besides football?
Lots of. Fortunately, Barcelona is more than a club and has very powerful sections. I like basketball, futsal and now I also play paddle.
What did Masia learn?
The game model. A very important thing if you want to progress and reach the first team. Off the field, basic values were also transmitted to grow as a person. Knowing how to behave is very important.
Is it the same now?
There have been many changes in the structure and not everyone works in the same way. I also think that young people are exposed to a different kind of situation. Agents, social networks, brands... so many things have changed that it is impossible for the same footballers to come out.
You went from playing in the Third Division to winning a treble. It's not a very common thing.
Getting a degree is difficult. Imagine winning a hat-trick playing and being important in your first year when the most normal thing is to get into it little by little.
What happened to settle so quickly?
There were many sanctioned and some injured. Circumstances that help you gain minutes and confidence.
Pep Guardiola's second game on the bench made his debut. How did you communicate it?
I didn't expect it. He had been training with the first team for days. He had played the Copa Catalunya and was happy. Pep told me: "Stay training with us, you will help us". The day before we played against Racing de Santander he called me into his office and said: Are you ready to play or are you screwed? I told him I was ready. But I didn't sleep that day.
He ended up making Touré Yaya sit on the bench and in 15 years no one has shadowed him...
Many factors have influenced it. To begin with, I am lucky that my position is key in Barça's game model and I have always understood it very well. I've also had the confidence of all the coaches and I've had few injuries.
What has been your secret to not getting injured?
I have always trained very well and tried to take good care of myself. I have been and am very happy with my children, my wife and my family. Being well at home and having emotional stability also play a role.
Can you find another Busquets?
No. But not for nothing but because I think we shouldn't obsess about looking for two equal players, it's never happened. Xavi knows very well that he left and there has been no other Xavi. Nor will another Messi return, nor another Iniesta. You need to find a good player who gives you a lot of options in a position that is very important at this club.
Xavi said it seemed unfair that he was not considered to win the Ballon d'Or...
It is clear that everyone likes to have their work recognized and being able to win individual awards is a sign of this. But I have always been aware of my profile. I know there are players who are flashier and more in the media than me. But I have enjoyed the recognition of the football world, I have won titles and I have been happy. For me this will always be the most important thing.
What has been your happiest moment?
Football-wise I think the Champions League at Wembley was our best game in a major final. Then there is the 5-0 in the League against Madrid, because of the joy of winning a game that is usually more equal. As for the epic, I'll stick with the comeback against PSG.
And the worst?
The 2-8 of the Champions League in Lisbon against Bayern. Because of the bad game we played and because it was an indecent result. Mentally it was hard for me to overcome that defeat.
Is mental health talked about enough?
Now it is starting to be talked about more. Taking care of mental health is very important not only for elite sport, but also for the rest of society. We all face difficult times and sometimes we need help to get through it.
Did you need this help?
We have had coaches like Luis Enrique who valued this aspect a lot and who had a psychologist with whom we had many conversations. But outside the sports city I haven't needed it. But not for nothing, but because I think I managed everything well enough. It is something that depends on the character. That doesn't make me any better or any worse. In the end the most important thing is that you are okay with or without help.
You leave, Alba leaves and Piqué left in December. Is it the end of a stage?
I think that with my departure the most beautiful and historic stage of the club ends because I am the last player left from Pep Guardiola's Barça. It is the law of life. The years go by for everyone and I felt that the time had come. But this Barça that remains has very young players who have a great future ahead of them.
And what will you do?
I don't have anything closed. But I am clear that I will not play in Europe. I wouldn't be able to face Barça or play a match that requires the highest demands. Now I want to focus on playing a less well-known and calmer football.
What do you prioritize more, money, experience, family...
Family comes first. I want to live a new experience with them because we have never left here.
Do you think he can match Messi?
Well, it would be a pleasure to meet him again or with other former teammates and friends such as Jordi Alba, Iniesta or Luis Suárez, who are still playing. But I don't know what Leo will decide.
Is it goodbye or see you soon?
I will finish my sports career first. Then I will get my trainer's card. And of course I would like to try to train here. I say try because even though I think I have the knowledge and skills necessary for this, then you need to know how to pass them on. I know this is not easy because you are in charge of 25 footballers, each with their own character, problems and way of looking at life. And your role is to help them in everything.
