Departing Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto bid an emotional farewell to the club he joined as a boy on Tuesday afternoon. His family, a good chunk of the squad and a number of iconic figures from recent Barcelona history were present, including ex-goalkeeper and coach Juan Carlos Unzue.
Roberto had agreed a deal with Barcelona to extend his contract at the club, but with the change of manager, there was a change of plans. It seemed there was a chance he would remain at the club, as Barcelona did not mention his exit until Sunday, despite his deal having expired five weeks prior.
“Since I debuted I have been lucky to share a dressing room with great idols, who have become friends and we have won many titles and experienced magical nights. Who was going to tell me that I would play 373 games with the club of my life and be the first captain, taking over from Messi, Busi, Xavi and company. I want to thank the presidents, workers, operations managers and a long list of people who make this possible. To the fans, I would have liked to say goodbye on the pitch, but I will be eternally grateful for your support these years, where we have lived unforgettable moments. I will always carry you in my heart.”
Sergi Roberto has bid farewell to #FCBarcelona with an emotional speech, his final act at the club 18 years after joining it. pic.twitter.com/OTbyIuTh2T
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 13, 2024
Roberto thanked his teammates, the club, the employees, his wife Coral and his family. But left a special dedication to his mother, who passed away in 2019 after a long battle with illness.
“Mum, despite not being here with me in recent years, you have been the one who has given me the strength to keep going in the most difficult moments. I am sure you would be very proud of the career I have had at Barca.”
Breaking down into tears, Roberto finished his speech before a brief discussion with the club presenter, and he had special praise for the La Masia academy, which is sustaining Barcelona. He also recalled various moments from his career, citing his debut against Ceuta as the most special of all, while also referencing his winner in the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, his most famous contribution.
“La Masia is the heart of this club, I would tell them to be very patient. With my father we always said that they have to kick you out of Barca and I fought every year to achieve my dream which was to reach the first team. I would tell them that if their dream is to do so, that they work, that the opportunities come and that this is the best club in the world. The effort will be worth it and it has served me well, always respecting my teammates and helping as much as I could, with tranquility, work and effort.”
President Joan Laporta then took to the stage to give his thanks to the veteran midfielder. He was seen having a brief cordial conversation with Xavi Hernandez, who he sacked just two months ago.
“Good morning. Sergi, Coral, the children, family… today is one of those days that is full of emotions and feelings. Thanks to those who have come. I see Barca legends. Xavi, Pique, Puyol… teammates, Sergi, media, I have seen Unzue… everyone. As president I wanted to say that you are history, a symbol and an example to follow. Especially of the heart of Barca that is La Masia.”
Video: Xavi's son with Lamine Yamal. 📸 pic.twitter.com/t7vISpaZ8u
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 13, 2024
“You went through it all. All of the youth categories of the club from the Cadet until you debuted with the first team. I only have words of gratitude from the club and for your exemplary commitment, and because you have always had words of gratitude to the club and you have returned what Barca has given you with. an important capacity for sacrifice. As captain, in the last season, you have been very caring and you have helped young talents who have the same dream that you had when you arrived. You touched glory with the 25 titles won and the 373 games played.”
Laporta closed his statements with the following, after which the player and his family took photos.
“I also want to tell you, Sergi, that Barca is your home, it has been, it is and it always will be. You are one of those players who have the honour of being part of this badge. Wherever you go we will always have you in our hearts.”
Roberto joined the club at the age of 14, and spent 18 years with the club, securing 25 titles over a decade in the first team. During that time he made 373 appearances, scoring 26 goals and giving 46 assists. His finest two seasons came under Luis Enrique, as the starting right-back in a side that won a Liga title and a Copa del Rey, while contributing to their 2015 Champions League win.
I can only think Laporta soiled the moment with his little speech . . . coming from deceiving lips.