Sergi Roberto: 'I want to stay as long as I can'

Sergi Roberto took advantage of the event staged for the signing of his contract extension with Barça until 2022 to give his opinion on the team’s fortunes so far this season. “We are where we want to be in every competition,” he revealed, highlighting the fact that Barça are leaders in La Liga, in the final of the Copa del Rey and 1-1 with Chelsea in their Champions League last 16 tie with the second leg to come at Camp Nou.

The player was accompanied by FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu as he reaffirmed his commitment to the Club, claiming that extending his contract with Barça was always his first option. "I have always wanted to be here, I have been a Barça fan since I was little. I have been at Barça for 12 years and my objective is to stay as long as possible," said Roberto. 

Sergi Roberto cast an eye back over his Barça career so far, recalling his debut at Camp Nou against Celta and, of course, his famous goal that sealed the spectacular comeback against PSG in the Champions League last season.

The local lad from Reus, just an hour south of Barcelona, also had words of advice for the young players coming through at the Club with dreams of following in his footsteps to the first team squad. “They have to fight, always be patient and never stop working,” said the man who can play either in midfielder or at full back.

President Bartomeu highlighted the player’s commitment to the Club, also praising his perseverance and hard work in reaching his current position amongst the footballing elite. “Sergi Roberto is a key figure in this historic Barça era”, said the president, citing his goal against PSG and his role in Leo Messi’s famous winner in the 3-2 victory over Real Madrid last season at the Santiago Bernabéu.