Tommy Marques has officially departed Barcelona after 12 years at the club, completing a move to Portuguese side Braga, and the midfielder has penned a heartfelt farewell message to the club he has called home since the age of eight.

Marques, who joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy as a young boy and worked his way through the ranks to eventually make his debut with the first team, took to Instagram to share his emotions about leaving the Catalan giants.

A Dream Fulfilled

In a lengthy and deeply personal post, Marques reflected on the journey that began when he was just eight years old and culminated in the ultimate achievement — pulling on the Barcelona first-team shirt.

"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," Marques wrote.

"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."

Gratitude and Goodbyes

Marques made a point of thanking everyone who contributed to his development during his time at the club, from coaches and teammates to the medical staff and his own family.

"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," he wrote.

"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."

'It Hurts to Leave'

Despite his excitement about the next chapter, Marques admitted that parting ways with Barcelona was far from easy and revealed that the timing of his departure was not what he had envisioned.

"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," he said.

A New Chapter at Braga

Looking ahead to his move to Portugal, Marques expressed enthusiasm and determination as he prepares for a fresh challenge with Braga, one of the Primeira Liga's most prominent clubs.

"Barça has given me everything. Thank you for these 12 years," he concluded. "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."

Marques may be swapping the blue and garnet of Barcelona for the red of Braga, but his message made one thing abundantly clear: Barcelona will, in his own words, "always feel like home."