Sergi Roberto sends encouraging message to Barcelona youngsters: “Work hard for your dream”

Barcelona recently announced the contract extension of Sergi Roberto, who has signed a deal until 2024, with a contract that reportedly includes a €400 million release clause and an option to extend the deal for a further year.

It was quite an achievement for Roberto, who has had his fair share of critics, due to either poor performances or injuries. But the player has continued to provide service and has now earned a new contract once again.

Speaking to Barça TV+, Roberto has sent an encouraging message to all Barcelona youngsters, especially the ones stemming from La Masia academy just like him, to work hard and be persistent about achieving their dreams.

“I know that is difficult to get to the first team, but I encourage youngsters who are starting out to work hard if they have a dream because in the end, dreams come true. I hope that more youngsters from La Masia can spend many years in the first team like me,” Roberto said.

The veteran continued by stressing the importance of Xavi’s role in helping him gain confidence, even after a difficult few years due to injuries.

“The last two years had been complicated for me because of injuries, which had prevented me from having continuity,” he said. “When Xavi arrived, I had to undergo surgery, but he reassured me by telling me that he had full confidence in me. He told me that I would help the team.”

“Xavi gave me confidence and peace of mind. Just as much as the confidence he now has in me. I’m very happy to have him as my coach,” he added.

Roberto has indeed become a key asset for Xavi, especially in the right-back position where the Barcelona coach did not have much luck with Hector Bellerin.

“When I was younger, I looked up to Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Puyol, Piqué and they supported me. Now with my experience, I can help the younger ones,” he further said.

“I made my debut at the Bernabéu in the Champions League when I was 18 and I’m 31 now. Both the club and I were going on the same path, which was to continue. And here we are. Now I hope we finish the season with a lot of success,” he added.

Roberto has featured in 23 competitive matches for Barça this season, racking up three goals and three assists. Overall, he has featured in 339 matches for the club – 27th in the all-time list, ahead of the likes of Javier Mascherano and Luis Suarez.