Jordi Alba to leave Barcelona aged 34 after more than a DECADE in end to glittering Nou Camp spell
JORDI ALBA will reportedly leave Barcelona this summer after 11 trophy-laden years.
The Spanish left-back has won the lot during his time at the Nou Camp.
GettyJordi Alba is set to leave Barcelona this summer after 11 years[/caption]
But Fabrizio Romano claims the 34-year-old will depart at the end of the season despite having a year left on his contract.
Alba confirmed in February he was willing to walk away following Barcelona’s recent financial woes.
And the defender is likely to have a host of clubs chasing his signature after being strongly linked with Inter Milan last year.
Alba joined Barcelona from Valencia for around £11million in 2012.
He has since scored 27 goals in 458 appearances for the Spanish giants.
And Alba has scooped numerous trophies including six LaLiga titles, five Copa del Reys and a Champions League.
The veteran had been a decent squad member for Xavi this season, playing 29 times in all competitions.
But the capture of Marcos Alonso from Chelsea last year, plus the emergence of youngster Alejandro Balde, saw most of Alba’s appearances come from the bench.
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He’s not the first old boy to call it a day, with Gerard Pique retiring from football midway through the season.
Sergio Busquets is also moving on this summer.
And after losing Lionel Messi several seasons ago, it truly spells the end of a golden period at the Nou Camp.
Reflecting on his future earlier this term, Alba said: “I think I’m at a good level. It is true that I am not playing everything, but when I go out I try to do my best.
“And when I’m not playing I try to help all my teammates by supporting them from the bench.
“It’s a new facet for me because normally I’ve been lucky enough to play a lot of minutes.
“This year not so much, but I also have my minutes and I’m happy with this role.
“It is important to help my colleagues, to be with them, to advise them, and this is also positive and motivates me.”
When asked whether he would lower his salary, he replied: “Yes. It’s a club decision and I’ve always helped when asked.
“My intention is to help the club and that both parties are happy.”
Alba added: “I feel good, I feel capable and I have the support of the coach and team-mates.
“When I go down the street people let me know. I feel good and the day I feel that I am not capable of defending a club like Barcelona, I will be the first to leave.”
