Inter Miami is experiencing a time of farewells. Jordi Alba has announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 36, just one week after the confirmation of Sergio Busquets's departure, marking another emotional closure in the cycle of former Barcelona players who accompanied Lionel Messi for more than a decade.
"The time has come to close a pivotal chapter in my life. I have made the decision to end my career as a professional player at the end of this season. I am doing so with absolute conviction, fulfillment, and happiness," the defender said in a visibly emotional video posted on his social media.
Trained at La Masia, Alba was a central part of Barça's most successful era, where he won every possible title, including the 2015 Champions League. His speed, his ability to move forward, and his almost telepathic understanding with Messi made him a key piece of a team that defined an era.
