His list of honours won with the club includes eight La Liga titles, seven Copa del Reys, 7 Spanish Super Cups and three Champions Leagues.

"Although it has not been an easy decision, I think the time has come," Busquets said.

"It has been an unforgettable journey," he added. "I always dreamed of playing with this shirt and at this stadium. Reality has exceeded all my dreams.

"It has been an honour, a dream, a source of pride, and it meant everything to defend and represent this badge for so many years.

"But everything has a beginning and an end. I want to thank all the people who made this possible, from the first day to the last."

Busquets joined the club in 2005 as a youth player, progressing to Barca B side - then managed by Pep Guardiola - before making his first-team debut in a 2008 league game against Racing Santander.

The central midfielder, who has also won three European Super Cups and three Club World Cups with the Spanish giants, is on course to end his Barcelona career with a ninth league title.

Xavi's side are 13 points clear at the top of La Liga with five games remaining.