More than half a lifetime at FC Barcelona will come to an end for Sergi Roberto this summer. The Catalans confirmed on Sunday that the captain will leave the club after 18 years
The FC Barcelona adventure began for Sergi Roberto at the age of 14. 18 years and 25 titles later, the midfielder is now closing this chapter. The 32-year-old’s contract expired this summer, and on Sunday both the club and Sergi Roberto himself confirmed the end of his career with the Blaugrana.
He played 312 competitive games for Barcelona after making his professional debut in 2010, four years after joining the legendary La Masia youth academy. He was crowned Spanish champion seven times, won the Spanish Cup six times and twice lifted the trophy after winning the Champions League final.
The versatile midfielder, who also played at right-back, only scored 15 goals in his career for Barcelona, but he will be remembered by Barca fans forever for one in particular. In the round of 16 of the 2017 UEFA Champions League, Barcelona went into their second encounter with Paris St. Germain with the burden of a 4-0 defeat from the first leg. Barca achieved the almost impossible and progressed thanks to a 6:1 victory in the second leg. Sergi Roberto scored the decisive goal to make it 6:1 – in the fifth minute of stoppage time
Farewell press conference on Tuesday
“The time has come to thank you all for the journey together,” Sergi Roberto wrote in a statement on his social media channels. “Long live Barca, forever!” A farewell press conference has been announced by the club for next Tuesday
In his last season for Barcelona, he even captained his team – when he was on the pitch. Under coach Xavi, with whom he also enjoyed success during his playing days, he only appeared 14 times in the league, but scored a respectable three goals. In the Champions League, he played five more games.
It is not yet known where Sergi Roberto sees his footballing future. According to media reports, he has recently negotiated with several clubs. A further extension at Barcelona is also said to have been discussed. However, this will definitely no longer happen
