Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas will leave the club at the end of the season and London City Lionesses have been heavily linked with signing the decorated midfielder.
Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, led Barcelona to their fourth Champions League crown in six seasons at the weekend after they comprehensively beat Lyon 4-0 in the final in Oslo.
But the 32-year-old announced she will bring her 14-year association with Barcelona to an end when her contract expires at the end of the season, with her last appearance set to be on Wednesday in their Liga F game against Real Sociedad.
“The moment has come to admit that I have given everything for (the club) with daily discipline and obsession in pursuit of constant improvement for 14 years,” she said on Instagram.
“I have always said that this jersey cannot be defended halfway and I admit that I have emptied myself. That is why I wanted to tell you that this Wednesday will be my last match as a player for FC Barcelona.
“I always said I wanted my final moment to come while I was at my very best, giving everything and with 100 per cent energy.”
London City finished sixth in their maiden campaign in the Women’s Super League and the signing of Putellas, a World Cup winner with Spain three years ago, would be a significant statement of intent.
Club sources did not deny they were in the race for her signature although London City face stiff competition as Paris St Germain and clubs in the United States are also reportedly keen on signing Putellas.
