Sergi Roberto’s Bold Decision: Why Barcelona’s Captain Turned Down a Saudi Arabian Offer
2 min read
FC Barcelona finds itself at a crucial juncture this year, with the spotlight shining brightly on Sergi Roberto. He’s been chosen to lead the squad as captain, and this season could potentially mark the conclusion of his remarkable fourteen-year tenure with the club.
In 2010, Sergi Roberto made his inaugural appearance in the iconic FC Barcelona jersey during a Copa del Rey clash at Camp Nou. Despite his name not being the most illustrious on the star-studded Barcelona team sheet, he’s remained a constant presence in the lineup.
Interestingly, there was a twist to the tale at the beginning of this season. Reports surfaced that an Arabian club attempted to lure Roberto away from FC Barcelona, offering him the chance to play in the Middle East for the next season.
While Barcelona gave him the autonomy to decide his future, Roberto swiftly turned down the tempting offer, without much consideration. The Arabian club was reportedly willing to shell out up to €15 million to secure his services, but Roberto declined, citing personal and sporting reasons.
It’s worth noting that even though this season could potentially be his last at Barcelona, Sergi Roberto intends to fulfill his contract with the club before making any decisions about his future. And should he choose to depart next year, a move to Saudi Arabia is not on his agenda; he has other leagues in mind.
Adding an intriguing layer to the story, Barcelona’s new head coach, Xavi, played a pivotal role in securing Roberto’s continued presence. They agreed to a one-year contract extension, with Roberto accepting a lower salary as a gesture of his commitment to the club where he began his football journey.
Xavi values Roberto’s versatility both on and off the field, frequently deploying him as both a midfielder and a right-back. His adaptability makes him a key rotational player, and his modest wages do not weigh heavily on Barcelona’s finances. Thus, the club welcomes him with open arms, recognizing his significance within the squad.
