Outgoing Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto bid an emotional farewell to the club he joined as a boy on Tuesday afternoon, with his family, much of the squad and a number of iconic figures from Barcelona’s recent history in attendance, including former goalkeeper and coach Juan Carlos Unzue.
Roberto had agreed a deal with Barcelona to extend his contract, but plans changed with the change of coach. It seemed there was a chance he would stay at the club, as Barcelona only mentioned his departure on Sunday, even though his contract had expired five weeks earlier.
“Since my debut, I have been lucky enough to share the dressing room with great idols who have become friends, and we have won many titles and experienced magical nights. Who would have told me that I would play 373 games for the club of my life and be the first captain, replacing Messi, Busi, Xavi and co. I would like to thank the presidents, staff, operations managers and a long list of people who make this possible. I would have liked to say goodbye to the fans on the pitch, but I will be eternally grateful for their support during these years in which we have experienced unforgettable moments. I will always carry you in my heart.”
Sergi Roberto has said goodbye to #FCBarcelona with an emotional speech, his last appearance at the club, 18 years after joining. pic.twitter.com/OTbyIuTh2T
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) 13 August 2024
Roberto thanked his teammates, the club, the staff, his wife Coral and his family. However, special thanks went to his mother, who died in 2019 after a long illness.
“Mom, even though you haven’t been with me these last few years, you were the one who gave me the strength to keep going in the most difficult moments. I’m sure you would be very proud of the career I’ve had at Barca.”
Roberto burst into tears and ended his speech before a brief conversation with the club’s moderator. He particularly praised the La Masia academy that supports Barcelona. He also recalled different moments of his career, citing his debut against Ceuta as the most special of all. He also mentioned his winning goal 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. We always told my father that they have to kick you out of Barca and I fought every year to achieve my dream, which was to get into the first team. I would tell them that if it is their dream to achieve this, they have to work, that the opportunities will come and that this is the best club in the world. The effort will be worth it and it has done me good to always respect my teammates and help as much as I could, with calm, work and effort.”
President Joan Laporta then took to the stage to thank the experienced midfielder and had a brief, heartfelt conversation with Xavi Hernandez, whom he had sacked just two months ago.
“Good morning. Sergi, Coral, the children, the family… today is one of those days full of emotions and feelings. Thank you to everyone who has come. I see Barca legends. Xavi, Pique, Puyol… teammates, Sergi, media, I saw Unzue… everyone. As president, I wanted to say that you are history, a symbol and an example to follow. Especially for the heart of Barca, which is La Masia.”
Video: Xavi’s son with Lamine Yamal. 📸 pic.twitter.com/t7vISpaZ8u
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) 13 August 2024
“You have been through everything. All the club’s youth categories, from the cadets to your debut in the first team. I only have words of thanks from the club and for your exemplary commitment, and because you have always been grateful to the club and given back what Barca gave you with your great sacrifice. As captain last season you were very caring and helped young talents who have the same dream that you had when you arrived. You have achieved glory with the 25 titles won and the 373 games played.”
Laporta concluded his statements by saying that the player and his family were taking photos.
“I also want to tell you, Sergi, that Barca is your home, it always has been, it still is and it always will be. You are one of the players who have the honour of being part of this badge. Wherever you go, we will always carry you in our hearts.”
Roberto joined the club at the age of 14 and spent 18 years with the club, winning 25 first-team titles over a decade. During that time he made 373 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 46 assists. His best two seasons came under Luis Enrique, starting at right-back in a team that won a Liga title and a Copa del Rey, and helped win the 2015 Champions League.
