Daijiworld Media Network – Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Oct 11: Fort Lauderdale: Jordi Alba, the celebrated Spanish left-back, has decided to retire from professional football at the end of this Major League Soccer season, bringing an end to a career that spanned top clubs and international glory. Speaking ahead of an Inter Miami training session on Friday, Alba confirmed that the decision, though announced earlier this week, had been made a few weeks prior.
“I think it's the best,” Alba said in Spanish. “Physically, I still feel good, but ... I think it's the most honest, the fairest thing to do. And it's a decision I make alone and believe is right.”
Alba will finish the season in the MLS playoffs before stepping away from the sport. His career highlights include playing for Spain in three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022), winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and the 2015 UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.
Inter Miami will honour Alba on Saturday night after their match against Atlanta United. The tribute comes shortly after Sergio Busquets, another longtime Messi teammate, announced his retirement. Alba has made 95 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 38 assists.
Alba, Busquets, and Luis Suarez reunited in MLS following their time with Lionel Messi at Barcelona. Messi, whose own contract with Inter Miami is up after this season, expressed his emotions for Alba on Instagram:
“Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things together, it's going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there.”
Alba reflected on his partnership with Messi: “That back pass that we have done many times ... the opponents knew it was coming, but the timing we had still worked. I'm very happy to have played with the best in the history of the game. I’ve given him assists, but he has also given me practically all the goals I’ve scored. I'm proud to have played with him for so many years.”
Alba’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious era in European and MLS football, celebrated for his connection with Messi and his impact on the pitch.