'It hurts to leave' - Tommy Marques pens emotional farewell to Barcelona after sealing €12m Braga transfer

Barcelona and Sporting Braga have officially announced the transfer of 19-year-old midfielder Marques for €11 million, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to €12 million, per Mundo Deportivo. Accompanied by agent Ivan de la Pena, the La Masia graduate travelled to Portugal this week to watch his new club defeat Austria Vienna 2-0 in the Conference League play-offs. Marques opted to move on in pursuit of regular minutes, with Rodri's arrival and Flick's faith in Brian Farinas leaving him without a clear pathway into the first team.

Marques took to social media to post a touching farewell message, expressing gratitude to the coaching staff, team-mates, family, and supporters after concluding his long journey at Camp Nou.

Writing on his official Instagram account, Marques said: "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.

"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."

The midfielder added: "I want to thank all the coaches, team-mates (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."

Having made his senior debut against Mallorca in February 2026, Marques stressed that leaving was a painful yet necessary choice for his development while wishing the club well for the future.

Continuing his message, Marques admitted: "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."

Concluding his heartfelt letter, he signed off: "Barça has given me everything. Thank you for these 12 years. 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 Barca, always."

At Braga, Marques links up with former Barcelona forward Pau Victor, who flourished with 17 goals last season to earn the club's No. 10 shirt. He will work under head coach Carlos Vicens, a Manchester City academy graduate renowned for nurturing young talent. Regular involvement across domestic competition and European football offers the Spanish midfielder an ideal stage to establish himself at the highest level.