Barcelona captain Sergi Busquets has released a statement to confirm his departure at the end of the season.

It was announced this morning that Busquets will leave Barca when his contract expires at the end of next month.

Busquets stated: "Hello culés,

"The time has come to announce that this will be my last season at Barça. It has been an unforgettable journey. Since I was little, when I came to watch the games or watched them on TV, I always dreamed of being able to play with this shirt and in this stadium.

"But reality has surpassed everything I could dream of. Who was going to tell me when I came as a youth that I could live 15 seasons in the best club in the world, the club of my life and of which I have been, I am and will be a fan, partner, player, captain and be able to exceed 700 games. It has been an honour, a dream, a pride. It has been everything to defend and represent this shield for so many years, but everything has a beginning and an end.

"Although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come.

"I want to thank all the people who have made it possible to live all this from the first day to the last. Club workers, physiotherapists, doctors, props, delegates, communication, managers, presidents, coaches, staff, analysts, physical trainers and especially my teammates, with whom I have shared thousands of hours of coexistence, jokes, talks, training, matches, sadness, celebrations ... All. Thank you.

"I also want to thank the partners and fans around the world, who have given me their support and love throughout this time. And of course my family, who has always been by my side in good times and not so good. Making this journey special and sacrificing things to accompany me and see me happy.

"Thank you very much for everything and see you soon in the last matches. Being from Barça is the best there is."