“A highly criticised footballer, but he always plays at a high level” – Xavi urges Barcelona to extend Sergi Roberto’s contract

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has urged the club to extend veteran Sergi Roberto’s contract. The Spaniard’s existing contract is till 2024 and there are reports which suggest that he might leave the Catalan club.

However, Xavi wants the club to keep the services of Sergi Roberto as the veteran can play at multiple positions. Roberto made his debut for Barcelona back in November 2010 and has made 358 appearances across all competitions in 14 seasons, scoring 19 goals and providing 41 assists. Thus, he has played a key role in the success of the club in the last 14 years.

Xavi said Roberto is often criticized but he plays at a high level for the team.

Xavi said about Roberto: “I would recommend to the club that they renew Sergi Roberto. They already know it. He is important. He can play in many positions.

“You have to explain very little to him. He knows what Barça is, what it represents. A highly criticized footballer, but he always plays at a high level. I’m delighted with him.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona has decided to renovate Camp Nou and the renovation work will be completed by November 2024. As a result, Barca are playing their home matches at Estadi Lluis Companys.

The club’s defender Andreas Christensen feels the team’s mixed season is because they have missed playing at their fortress and they could have delayed the renovation of Camp Nou.

In a recent interview with FCB World, Christensen said: “I miss Camp Nou. I think they could have postponed its renewal for several years (laughs) because it was like a castle for us. It can scare you as an opponent. I played as an opponent at the Camp Nou twice and things did not go well.”

Barcelona will take on Barbastro in the round of 32 in Copa del Rey on Sunday.