Jordi Alba, a former Spanish national team defender aged 34, has officially agreed to join Inter Miami.
The Major League Soccer Club confirmed on Thursday that Alba will be reunited with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who is 36 years old. The contract is set to run until 2024, with an additional club option for 2025.
This announcement follows Inter owner Jorge Mas’s statement two days prior, indicating that Alba’s arrival was imminent.
In an effort to improve their declining fortunes in the MLS, Inter, a team co-owned by David Beckham, will be adding Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets and Argentine superstar Messi to their roster. Alba, who has played 93 games for Spain, ended his contract with Barcelona in May.
The left back achieved six Spanish league championships with Barça and was a member of the squad that secured the 2015 Champions League victory. Additionally, he represented Spain in the 2012 European Championship-winning team.
“Jordi is an accomplished, dynamic and experienced player that we’re excited to acquire to continue bolstering our squad,” said Inter sporting director Chris Henderson. “He has proven for over a decade that he is one of the best fullbacks in the sport due to both his defensive solidity and capacity to contribute in the attack.”
“We know that he’ll help Inter Miami achieve the Club’s objectives this season and beyond.”
Inter stated that Alba is anticipated to join the team in the upcoming days.
In the meantime, Messi and Busquets participated in a training session with Miami on Tuesday and are projected to make their first appearances for the club, possibly not as starters, on Friday against Cruz Azul from Mexico in the Leagues Cup.
READ ALSO: Former Poland winger Jakub Blaszczykowski retires from football
