Lionel Messi has praised Sergio Busquets after it was confirmed that the midfielder will leave Barcelona at the end of the season.
During his stay at the Nou Camp, Messi played with 567 times alongside Busquets – more than with any other player in his career.
The pair won an array of trophies together, including three Champions Leagues, eight LaLiga titles and seven Copa del Reys.
Messi wrote on Instagram: ‘On the pitch always with 5 but in reality as a player and as a person you are a 10, Busi.
‘I wish you the best in your new stage and always, both you and your family.
Lionel Messi praised Sergio Busquets after the midfielder revealed he will leave Barcelona
‘Thank you for on and off the pitch , there were so many moments we spent together, many good and some also complicated… They will stay forever!
‘Big hug, @5sergiob’.
There have been suggestions that Messi and Busquets could be re-united at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Messi is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain but his father Jorge denied that a deal, which would see the star earn £522million a year, has already been struck with Al-Hilal.
Jorge wrote on social media: ‘There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will never be made before Lionel finished the league with PSG.
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‘Once the season is over it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision. There are always rumors and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing with anyone. Neither verbal, nor signed, nor agreed, and there will not be until the end of the season.
‘It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media where they respond, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims, and wanting to turn any malicious rumor into news or that is directed by someone in favor of their interests.’
Busquets has made 719 appearances for Barcelona since breaking into the first-team in 2008.
There have been suggestions that Busquets could be reunited with Messi at Al-Hilal
Messi and Busquets enjoyed much success together during their time at Barcelona
34-year-old Busquets is out of contract at the end of June and will be moving on to pastures new.
Although Barcelona offered Busquets a new contract it would have led to him taking a 70 per cent pay cut.
Busquets has a reported offer of around £13m-a-season on the table to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal.
There have been suggestions that Al-Hilal are also interested in signing another long-serving Barcelona player in defender Jordi Alba.
