Alba had initially planned to continue at Barcelona till next season, left Laporta confused

Barcelona have lost the last of the old guard as Jordi Alba announced his departure from the club at the end of the season. After 11 years in the blaugrana, the Spaniard is ready to venture out after losing his place to Alejandro Balde at left-back this season.

Alba is also one of the highest earners at the club, with his contract running until 2024, including deferred wages.

He has waived off a chunk of his salary to help the club during their dire financial situation, and joins Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets as Barcelona legends leaving the club this season.

However, the legend had planned to stay at Barcelona for another season, at the very least, hoping to fulfil his contract with the Catalans, according to a report by SPORT. After talking to his family, though, he decided to leave the club this summer.

In fact, club president Joan Laporta was also perplexed about the decision, as he expected Alba to continue at the club beyond next season. While the club had planned to hold talks with him in hopes of selling or reducing his salary, Alba was expected to stay.

“Are you sure, Jordi? Have you thought it well?… You have every right to fulfil your contract until 2024, you’ve earned it,” he inquired with Alba, as quoted by SPORT.

Alba may have lost his spot to Balde this season, but he has been an integral part of the team off the bench. He scored the winner against Osasuna, was on target against Sevilla and also assisted the winner against Girona.

The veteran has also helped Balde through his breakthrough season, and has spoken about it, too, saying, “I try to help Balde in all I can, to give him concepts, as he plays in my position. I have been in the first team a lot longer. It is important that the youngsters listen and try to learn from those with more experience.”