Jordi Alba, the famous Spanish footballer, has decided to retire from football. The Inter Miami player said he had first planned to continue playing for a few more years, probably alongside his close friend Lionel Messi. But later, he felt that it was time to stop.
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| The Mirror Us |
Speaking before Inter Miami’s training session in Fort Lauderdale, Alba explained that even though he still feels fit, retiring now is the most honest and fair decision. He made the choice on his own a few weeks ago and feels happy about it. “Physically, I still feel good,” he said, “but this is the fairest thing to do. It’s the right time to step away.”
Alba will finish this season with Inter Miami and then retire. He has had a long and successful career. He played for Spain in three World Cups — in 2014, 2018, and 2022. With Barcelona, he won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and the Champions League in 2015.
Looking back on his journey, Alba said he feels proud of everything he achieved. “The best thing to do is to step aside,” he said. “I’m proud of the career I’ve had.”
Inter Miami will honour him after their match against Atlanta United on Saturday night. It will be the second farewell ceremony in a few weeks, as Alba’s former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets is also retiring this season.
In total, Alba has played 95 matches for Inter Miami, scoring 14 goals and making 38 assists. Along with Messi, Busquets, and Luis Suárez, Alba joined the MLS club after Messi’s surprise move to Miami in mid-2023. Messi’s contract ends after this season, but the club and player are already talking about a new deal.
Earlier this week, Messi shared an emotional message for Alba on Instagram. “Thanks to you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you a lot. After so many things together, it will feel strange to look to my left and not see you there,” Messi wrote.
Alba and Messi shared a special understanding on the field. They often played quick passes that seemed effortless. “That back pass we used to do — the opponents already knew it was coming, but our timing always worked,” Alba said with a smile. “I’m lucky to have played with the best player in football history. I gave him many assists, but he also set up almost all my goals. I’m proud that we played together for so many years.”