Luis Suárez sent an emotional message to Sergi Roberto, the footballer who said goodbye to FC Barcelona. “Sergi, crack. Congratulations for everything you did at Barcelona, the club where you grew up and dreamed of playing since you were a kid. Good luck for what’s to come,” wrote the current Inter Miami striker on his Instagram.
Midfielder Sergi Roberto (Reus, Tarragona, 1992), until now captain of Barcelona, said goodbye to the Catalan club on Tuesday with a clear message: “La Masia will always be the heart of this club.”
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The Reus footballer said goodbye to what has been his home for 18 years at the Auditori 1899, surrounded by teammates, coaching staff, members of the board, friends and family.
Among the attendees, He highlighted the presence of the former Barça coach, Xavi Hernándezwho greeted players and some club representatives and sat next to his former teammates Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol, and former footballer Juan Carlos Unzué.
“In recent years, I have seen legends and teammates retire and now it is my turn,” began Roberto in his farewell speech, leaving behind a legacy of 25 titles and 373 games in his long time as a Barça player.
The fate of Sergi Roberto is still unknown.
The Catalan player, whose future is still to be decided after his contract with Barcelona ended at the end of last season, said that he “never” imagined “making his debut in the first team” and that becoming the first captain has been “an honour and a source of pride”.
“Now I leave the bracelet in good hands, Marc’s,” said Roberto, in reference to goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegenwho will assume the role of first captain starting this season.
The Reus footballer’s speech focused on his example as a youth player, from when he arrived at the club at just 14 years old until becoming an important part of the first team.
“La Masia is and will always be the heart of this club. We have incredible players there and I would tell them to be patient, calm, work and effort,” Roberto recommended to the talents that are beginning to shine in the Barça squad, some of whom were present at his farewell ceremony.
In this sense, he added that, if his dream is to reach the first team, as was his case, the steps to follow are “to endure and work”, because “that is how opportunities come in the best team in the world.”
The words of President Joan Laporta
During the event, the club president, Joan Laporta, dedicated a few words to Roberto: “Sergi, you are history, a symbol and an example to follow for Barça“You are a person who has been exemplary and, as president, I only have words of gratitude for your commitment. Barça is and will always be your home,” he stressed.
Before finishing, Sergi Roberto addressed the Barcelona fans, thanking them for “their support over all these years”, although he regretted not being able to “say goodbye on the pitch”, and wished “the best” to his teammates, who he said have “a bright future”.
“I’m leaving very happy and proud. I’ve given everything for this club for 18 years. This time is coming to an end, but I’m sure our paths will cross. Long live Barça forever!” he concluded.
