Xabi Alonso pays tribute to Busquets: "A generous and intelligent player"

Xabi Alonso, coach of Real Madrid, took advantage of the preview of the derby against Atlético to dedicate some heartfelt words to Sergio Busquets, who recently announced his retirement at the end of the season. The former midfielder, who shared many years of success with the player from Badia in the Spanish national team, defined the former azulgrana as an essential, intelligent footballer with a collective character that marked an era in Spanish football.

The Basque coach was emotional when remembering the years in which they shared the center of the field. For Xabi Alonso, Busquets was much more than a teammate: he was a player who supported a historic team and allowed those around him to shine. His words confirm the respect and admiration that the Catalan awakens even in historical rivals such as Real Madrid.

"Busi was a great teammate"

In Friday's press conference, Xabi Alonso highlighted the figure of Busquets: "I congratulate him on his entire career. Busi was a great teammate. We really enjoyed playing together. He is one of the players who supports a team. Very collective, generous, intelligent in decision-making. He is always one step ahead of his rivals."

The Basque also recalled that Busquets' career was brilliant thanks to his ability to read the game, a trait that made the midfielder a global benchmark in his position. "That's why he has had such a brilliant career and we teammates speak with such esteem," he added.

Busquets: A future linked to the bench?

Although Serio Busquets has not yet confirmed his next steps, Xabi Alonso did not hesitate to predict a future as a coach. For the current white coach, the great brains of the center of the field usually transfer their tactical intelligence to the bench.

"May he enjoy the matches he has left, may he rest, may he surely return to the green later"

Busquets himself, who currently plays for Inter de Miami, has always maintained a clear and strategic vision of the game, attributes that many consider fundamental to lead from the technical area.

Busquets' retirement: a farewell that transcends rivalries

That a Real Madrid coach praises a Barça icon with such vehemence reflects the dimension of the footballer. The rivalry between clubs has not been an obstacle for Xabi Alonso to recognize the indelible mark that Busquets leaves in the history of football.

The intelligence and generosity that the Basque attributes to him are, probably, the qualities that best define a player who always put the collective before individual brilliance.

With this gesture, Xabi Alonso joins the long list of coaches, former teammates and rivals who have recognized the legacy of the Catalan midfielder. The world of football is preparing to say goodbye to one of the most influential players of the last 15 years.

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