An emotional Sergi Roberto bids farewell to Barcelona

Another of the old guard bids farewell as Barcelona held a press conference for Sergi Roberto as the former captain departs after having spent his entire career at the club.

The versatile midfielder officially announced his departure a couple of days ago, uploading a goodbye video on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He was, understandably, emotional during his press conference.

"To the fans, I would have liked to say goodbye on the pitch but I will eternally be grateful for your support these years, where we have lived unforgettable moments. Your demands have made me the player I am today, I will always carry you in my heart," Roberto said.

As mentioned, Sergi Roberto was part of that old guard who last won the Champions League back in 2015. With him leaving, the only player left from that squad is Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

On many other teams, Sergi Roberto would have been a very good squad player. In Barcelona, at times, he was often a starter with his deficiencies put on display. Nevertheless, he did what was asked of him to help out the club and did a commendable job.

He filled in at right-back when Dani Alves left and shifted back into midfield when needed. Last season, under Xavi Hernandez, it was evident how well he understood the Barcelona style of play and on a handful of occasions rescued Barcelona.

He made his debut under Pep Guardiola and it is almost fitting his last manager was Xavi. In another instance of how well regarded Sergi Roberto is, Xavi made his return to Barcelona for the first time since being sacked as manager.

Some of Sergi Roberto's standout moments includes scoring the sixth goal during Barcelona's famous remontada against PSG at the Camp Nou in the Champions League.

He's also put in some memorable performances against Real Madrid. The one that comes to mind for a number of Catalan supporters is his run during the final moments of an El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu where Lionel Messi scored the late winner and showed his jersey to the Real Madrid supporters in his celebration.

"Sergi Roberto has been an example. I can only say thank you for you commitment and your gratitude. Barça is, and always will be your home," Barcelona president Joan Laporta said.

Sergi Roberto ends his 18 year tenure with his boyhood club having won 25 trophies, made more than 350 appearances and captained the team in his final season.