Spanish international Jordi Alba announced, on Tuesday, his permanent retirement from football at the end of the American League season, as he defends the colors of Inter Miami club alongside Argentine star Lionel Messi.
The 36-year-old left-back’s retirement comes 15 days after a similar act by his former Barcelona teammate and current Inter Miami teammate, Sergio Busquets.
As for Messi, he recently renewed his contract with his club until after 2025, most likely with the aim of participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Alba said in a video clip on his Instagram account: “I announce it with complete conviction and a great feeling of joy because I believe that I have done everything I have and it is time to open a new chapter.”
He continued: “Football has been and will always remain an essential part of my life. Thanks to football, thanks to everyone.”
Alba moved to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, and had renewed his contract until 2027, but decided to retire early for family reasons, according to a source close to him.
Alba defended Barcelona for more than 10 years and played more than 400 matches in its ranks in various competitions, winning the Spanish Championship six times and the Champions League once in 2015.
He was also crowned European champion with the Spanish national team in 2012, and the European Nations League in 2023 when he was captain of the team.
