Barcelona legend Jordi Alba reflects on partnership with Messi, explains retirement decision

Earlier this week, FC Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami star Jordi Alba announced that he will be retiring at the end of the current MLS season.

The 36-year-old Spaniard will bring an end to an iconic career, a large part of which he spent at Barcelona.

Having left the Catalan club in 2023 to join Inter Miami, where he paired up with former teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, Alba believes that the time is right for him to call time on his professional career.

Alba on imminent retirement

Speaking at a press conference, the former Spanish international explained the reasons for his decision to retire, saying:

“I know I renewed my contract in May, but time has passed, and it’s a decision I’ve been thinking about. I told the team about it three or four weeks ago, and it’s a decision I was the right person to tell about this situation, and well, it’s a well-thought-out decision.”

“Physically and football-wise, I’m still feeling good, but I’ve considered everything and I think it’s the most honest, the fairest – a decision I made and one I believe to be the most correct,” Alba further explained.

Alba stressed that even though he still had a couple of years left on his contract at Inter Miami, he does not wish to continue while not being at 100%.

“To be in a place where I’m not going to be 100% fit or where I’m not going to give what I want to give, I prefer to step aside. I think it’s the right time,” stressed the left-back.

The end of an era. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“I also have other projects in mind; I miss Barcelona. I’ve always tried to give my all here. While I’ve been here, I’ve given 100 per cent, and that’s how it’s going to be until the end of the season, and that’s how it is.” 

Continuing, Alba added: “I have a contract, but it doesn’t serve me any purpose to have to fulfil it compulsorily; in the end, these are decisions I make.

“I could have stayed until 2027, but the right thing to do on a personal level is what I feel, and when things like this happen, the best thing to do is to step aside.”

Partnership with Messi

One thing Alba said he is proud of throughout his career is having played alongside Lionel Messi, whom he considers the best in history and with whom he regretted not being able to stay longer. 

However, the Barcelona icon said he was happy to have shared so many moments with the Argentine megastar on the pitch, which have translated into countless assists and goals for both sides in a partnership that continues to bear fruit.

“The first assist I gave him was at Osasuna when we won, and from then on, I think we understood each other very well, and the timing we had or still have continues to work,” he said.

“Well, I’m very happy to have played with the best in history, to understand each other so well. I’ve given him many assists, but he’s given me practically all the goals I’ve scored, so it’s an honour to be there, to have played for so many years and to have enjoyed it,” he concluded.

Source: AS