The night of 28 May 2023 is one that FC Barcelona fans won't be forgetting in a hurry. It was up there with the last appearances of legends like Guardiola, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, among many more. This many not have been the last time we'll see Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the Barça jersey, with one more league game and a friendly in Japan still to come, but it was the last time they will ever appear in the stadium that has been their home for so many years and where they have played a part in the creation of so many wonderful memories.
They both started the game, and were substituted after 84 and 79 minutes respectively. Both received standing ovations, and there was more to come when they got to say some words to the fans once the final whistle had blown.
Busquets and Alba appeared with the Spanish Super Cup and Liga trophies won this season and were given a guard of honour by players and coaches alike before club president Joan Laporta presented them both with mementoes and videos of the most memorable moments of their careers flashed up on the giant screen.
Emotional farewell speeches
"I want to thank everyone for such a show of affection" said Alba. "It has been an honour to wear this shirt. I've tried to help everyone and I feel very proud to be a Culer. Professionally, I can say that today has been the happiest day of my life." He also had words for the late Tito Vilanova, "the coach who signed me in 2012".
Busquets wanted to thank "everyone who I have crossed paths with on my journey. I always dreamed of playing in this stadium. The sentiment and pride of being at the best club in the world is something that nobody will ever be able to take from me. I am a member and a fan, and I am leaving having surpassed all my expectations as a kid. But this is not goodbye. I'm sure that this is more of a see you again soon.”
This was followed by both players simultaneously being given the traditional 'bumps' and a short lap of honour around Spotify Camp Nou. And so end 15 seasons for Busquets and 11 for Alba, with a host of major trophies and countless memories accumulated in that time by two names that will now go down in gold letters in the club's annals. Thank you to you both for absolutely everything1!