Tommy Marques has left Barcelona for Braga
but has shown his love for the club by penning a lengthy goodbye message to culers and making it clear just how much his time at the club has meant to him.
The midfielder moves on after seven years spent with the Catalan giants and says he will never forget his time at Barcelona.
"After 12 years, the time has come to say goodbye to the club that has watched me grow up since I was eight. Everything I experienced along this journey has been truly worthwhile—every season, every training session, every match, every trip, every victory. But I also had to face the other side of things: the toughest moments, the injuries, and the times filled with doubt and suffering," he posted on Instagram.
"All of them taught me valuable lessons and helped me get to where I am today. I leave with the peace of mind of having given my all, and with the feeling of having fulfilled a dream I fought for over so many years: making my debut with the Barça first team. It is a dream I never imagined I would realize when I first arrived at the age of eight. I have lived through unforgettable, unique moments that I will carry with me forever."
Marques also admitted "it hurts to leave" but still took time out to thank the staff he has worked with, his team-mates and the fans who have supported him throughout his time at the club.
"I want to thank all the coaches, teammates (many of whom have become great friends), physios, doctors, staff members, and everyone who has been by my side over these past 12 years. Each of them has played a part in shaping the player and the person I am today. "
"Thanks also to my family—especially my parents and sisters—my partner, and my friends, who have supported and stood by me unconditionally, helping to make this dream a reality. I have worn this badge on my chest with great pride all these years, and I always will."
"I won't deny that it hurts to leave. The way this moment has arrived was unexpected, and it is not how I had imagined saying goodbye to the club of my life. If I am doing this, it is because I truly love this club; over these 12 years, I have also learned to understand and respect the decisions that have been made along the way."
Marques also said he was looking forward to his new challenge at Braga "with great excitement, eagerness, and, above all, the highest level of ambition."
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He may be changing club but Tommy says Barcelona will "always feel like home" and then signed off in the most heartfelt way possible.
"Barça has given me everything. Thank you for these 12 years," he wrote. "Thank you for helping me grow, for teaching me, for challenging me, and for allowing me to live a dream—at the club of my life—that I will remember forever. Long live Barça, always."
