Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets hits back at 'false' reports claiming he will leave the club next summer

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has hit back "false" reports claiming he will leave the Catalan club when his contract expires next summer.

Busquets, 34, is into the final year of his current deal with Barcelona and reports in Spain have suggested the La Liga side could be willing to release him at the end of the season.

The midfielder, who is third on the all-time appearance list for Barcelona behind only Lionel Messi and Xavi, was left on the bench for last weekend's win over Elche.

Earlier this week, Spanish publication Diario Sport claimed Busquets is open to a new challenge in 2023, with a possible offer on the table from MLS side Inter Miami.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday's Nations League match against Switzerland, Busquets claimed that no decisions had been made over his future – suggesting he could yet remain with his boyhood club Barcelona.

"I can't tell you anything because there's nothing," Busquets told Marca, as reported by Get Spanish Football News.

"There is nothing despite the rumours that have appeared. There is nothing official. I'll see how I'm doing this season. There is nothing. I want to enjoy myself and then I will see.

Busquets is into the final year of his Barcelona contract (Image: Alamy)

"It is clear that I am not 20 years old. It is true that it is the last year of my contract, but things have been made official that are false."

Busquets is expected to captain Spain on Friday night against Switzerland and also in their final Nations League game against Portugal on Tuesday.

The veteran midfielder is the third-most capped player in Spain's history, having made 137 appearances for the national side – behind only Sergio Ramos (180) and Iker Casillas (167).

He is expected to captain Spain against Switzerland on Saturday (Image: Alamy)

"I continue to enjoy playing in the national team every game," added Busquets.

"It is a pleasure and fills me with pride to be here and to be the captain. The match against Switzerland is going to be very tough.

"We have faced each other on many occasions. They have great players. We will go out to win, but it won't be easy.

"We will be true to our style."

SPORTbible Stories is the brand-new podcast from the SPORT team at LADbible. The first episode features a chat with former Burnley manager Sean Dyche as he opens up on his departure from Turf Moor, what the future holds and the amazing story of the spin wheel for fines while in charge of the Clarets. You can watch the first episode here.