August 2- Iconic Barcelona and Spain defender Jordi Alba has joined ex-teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets at InterMiami in the MLS. The club is managed by former Barca manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Alba (pictured) has signed a one-year contract, reportedly worth $1.6 million, on a free transfer. Inter Miami have the option to further extend the deal until summer 2025.
The 34-year-old spent 11 years at Barcelona, winning almost everything available with the Blaugrana since his debut in 2012. The move comes after Alba announced in May 2023 that he intended to leave, saying: “After much meditating and evaluating, I think the best thing is to step aside and I would like to announce that this season will be my last as a Barça player.”
Last season saw FC Barcelona lifted the La Liga trophy, but the season saw the phasing out of one of their most loyal servants from the starting XI with Alba making just 24 aappearances. His left-back position, which he had locked down for the past decade, was taken by youngster Alejandro Balde.
The player had a special message for Blaugrana fans ahead of his move to the Sunshine State: “I want to thank all the culers in the world from the bottom of my heart for the great love you have always given me. Thank you very much.”
The 6-time La Liga winner’s transfer to Inter Miami marks a groundbreaking season of recruitment for the side, who found themselves rock bottom of the eastern conference before the Barcelona trio’s arrival last month.
The latest introduction to the squad will give the team even more vital experience that they will hope will prolong their run in the inuagural Leagues Cup after an upturn in form and three goals from Messi in two games.
Inter Miami’s next match is the derby against Orlando City in the Leagues Cup round of 32. Busquets looks set to hit the ground running and make his debut in that game.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1715647941labto1715647941ofdlr1715647941owedi1715647941sni@o1715647941fni1715647941