“Proper legend; Served us glory” – Jordi Alba receives emotional goodbye from fans as Barcelona announces his departure
Alba scored 27 goals and provided 91 assists during his time at Barcelona.
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Jordi Alba in action for FC Barcelona. (Credits: Football Today)
Defender Jordi Alba will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season. The La Liga champions announced his departure in an official statement on Wednesday. Alba spent a glorious 11 years at the club, playing a pivotal role almost every season.
The 34-year-old Spaniard has appeared in over 450 games for Barcelona, winning the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2015, six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, four Spanish Super Cups, and the Club World Cup. Alba was developed in Barcelona’s La Masia but departed in 2005 to make his reputation at Valencia before returning to the Catalan club in 2012.
“Jordi Alba, who has made the left side of the field his own in over a decade at Barca, is leaving the club as the third captain of the senior team, ending a glittering career,” Barcelona announced. “FC Barcelona would like to publicly express its gratitude to Alba for his professionalism, commitment and dedication, and his ever-positive and friendly relationship with all members of the Barca family.”
The statement continued: “Sadly, however, it seems all good things have to end, and the curtain will be coming down on Jordi Alba’s time at Barca in just a few weeks. We wish him well with his plans, whatever they might be.” Alba appeared in 23 league games this season as Barcelona won their 27th La Liga title earlier this month. However, most of those came off the bench, with manager Xavi Hernandez opting to start 19-year-old Alejandro Balde.
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Fans react to Jordi Alba’s departure
Jordi Alba is the third long-serving player to leave Barcelona this season. Defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets is set to depart the club as well. Defender Gerard Pique also announced his retirement in November 2022.
Alba had one year left on his current deal, which expires in 2024, and Spanish media indicates that he will waive a significant portion of his salary to assist the club in its financial difficulties. His wage next season was reportedly going to be €36M gross due to deferrals. Like Busquets and Lionel Messi, the former Barcelona playmaker who will depart Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, the left-back has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
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Anany Kapoor
(105 Articles Published)