Busquets’ Retirement Gives Inter Miami ‘Extra Motivation’ – Mascherano
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano says Sergio Busquets’ decision to retire has given the team added motivation as they push to win the MLS Cup this season.
Miami, who face Toronto FC on Saturday, have already secured a place in the playoffs, but are still fighting to finish higher in the league table.
“We want to help him finish on a high” – Mascherano
Mascherano revealed that Busquets had told him about his decision to retire just a day before the announcement.
“He told me yesterday – he had been thinking about it for a few weeks,” said Mascherano during a press conference on Friday.
“It’s a shame, because he’s still playing at a high level. But he’s fully convinced it’s the right time.”
Mascherano, who played alongside Busquets for several years at Barcelona, praised the Spanish midfielder’s intelligence and hinted that Busquets could become a coach in the future.
“Busi will be a coach one day – when and where, that’s up to him. He has the mind for it.”
“He was always the smartest on the pitch”
Reflecting on their time at Barcelona, Mascherano said:
“I shared nearly eight seasons with him. I played the same position but always knew he was the starter.
He helped me a lot when I arrived. What we achieved at Barcelona will always be unforgettable.”
Now, Mascherano hopes the announcement pushes the Inter Miami squad to give their best in the final weeks of the season.
“Hopefully, this gives us extra motivation to help Busi finish his career in the best way possible.
This squad is full of competitors – they rise to big moments.”
Team surprised by retirement news
Telasco Segovia, Busquets’ young teammate, said the whole squad was shocked when Busquets gathered them to share the news.
“I was surprised – I didn’t know he was going to retire,” said Segovia.
“As a kid, I watched him play for Barcelona and dreamed of sharing a pitch with him. I’m happy for what he’s achieved, but we were all shocked when he told us.”
What’s next?
Inter Miami take on Toronto FC this weekend, as they aim to give Busquets a winning send-off in his final season as a professional footballer.
