Thank you, Sergi!
More than half a lifetime in blaugrana. Sergi Roberto came to FC Barcelona in 2006, fulfilling a lifelong dream to wear the Barça jersey as he moves through the youth teams at La Masia to become captain of the first team, following on from fellow legends such as Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Leo Messi.
On Tuesday at the Auditori 1899 at Spotify Camp Nou, the Catalan footballer brought his Barça career to a close with a farewell event attended by his teammates, members of the Board of Directors and, of course, friends and family.
Versatile, generous and a club legend
A lifelong Barça man, Sergi Roberto won 25 trophies as a blaugrana in more than 350 appearances for the first team. The man from Reus leaves the club after 18 years and a first team debut that took place back in November 2010.
Since that day there have been many unforgettable moments with perhaps the most remembered his goal to make the score 6-1 in the famous Champions League second leg comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.
"Barça is and always will be me my club"
After an emotional beginning and a video bringing together all of the highlights from his blaugrana career, Sergi Roberto appeared on stage to address the watching crowd. It is never easy to say goodbye and this was certainly the case for the midfielder as he looked back on farewells from past team mates, pointing out that "now it is my turn."
The local boy from the south of Catalonia remembered his arrival at La Masia, "the best years of my life", adding that "it allowed me to grow as a person and a player...La Masia is the heart of this club."
With tears in his eyes, he recalled the support of the fans, admitting to be "eternally grateful" for their motivating role in producing "unforgettable moments." Roberto ended his speech with praise for his family which did not leave a dry eye in the house.
"I can only say thank you"
As a culer, there are always tough days and Sergi Roberto's farewell is surely one of those. President Laporta summed it up saying: "Sergi Roberto has been an example. I can only say thank you for your commitment and your gratitude. Barça is, and always will be, your home."