Sergi Roberto has officially left Barcelona, although his next destination is unclear after he appeared to snub Inter Miami.



In June, Barcelona announced the departure of Marcos Alonso, whose contract expired on that day. However, the situation with another long-time player, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-enters-2024-25-with-renewed-hope-amid-uphill-battle/">Sergi Roberto</a>, was more ambiguous. 



Despite his contract also expiring on June 30th, the club did not officially confirm Roberto’s exit until much later. This delay added an element of uncertainty to the summer transfer window for the versatile midfielder; especially since he had been with Barcelona since joining their famed La Masia academy as a boy.



Sergi Roberto’s exit marks the end of an era at Barcelona. The 32-year-old, who had risen through the ranks to become club captain, had seen his role diminish in recent seasons. 



Once a key figure in the squad, the defender found himself increasingly on the fringes; he was no longer a guaranteed starter under recent managers. 



Despite this, his love for the club remained undiminished, and he had hoped to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.



Roberto had reportedly agreed to a new contract with Barcelona, but the appointment of new manager Hansi Flick changed everything. 



Flick, looking to reshape the squad, decided that the veteran was surplus to requirements. As a result, Roberto was left in limbo, training at the club’s facilities but not officially part of the squad. It wasn’t until early August that Barcelona finally acknowledged his departure, bringing an emotional chapter to a close.



<h2>Emotional farewell after 18 years</h2>



This Tuesday, Sergi Roberto bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona in a ceremony attended by his family, a significant portion of the squad, and several iconic figures from the club’s recent history. 



The event was a poignant reminder of Roberto’s long journey with Barcelona, from a promising youth player to a trusted veteran and leader.



As he left the club, the 32-year-old had conflicting feelings about his time there. He had given his all to the Blaugrana, contributing to numerous successes, including league titles and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a> triumphs. 



However, as with many footballing careers, the time had come to move on. 



“It seemed like there was a chance I would stay,” Roberto reflected, 



“But sometimes, things don’t go as planned.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240817_WST_523183_imago0038599327h-1200x800_a8ea64fa.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-523194" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago0038599327h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago0038599327h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago0038599327h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago0038599327h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago0038599327h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi has begun the charm offensive to try and tempt his former teammate to Inter Miami</figcaption></figure>



His departure, although expected, was no less bittersweet for the player who had dedicated so much of his life to the Blaugrana.



<h2>Europe or MLS next step?</h2>



As Roberto prepares for the next chapter of his career, speculation has been rife about where he will end up. 



The Spaniard still possesses the quality and experience to play at a high level; thus, several clubs have expressed interest in securing his services.



One <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/sergi-roberto-set-to-leave-barcelona-mls-next-step-20240207-WST-488158.html">potential destination is Inter Miami</a>, where he could reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. 



The MLS club has already become something of a haven for ex-Barcelona players, and Roberto would be a natural fit given his history and versatility. The Argentine even sent his ex-teammate a message of support on Instagram. 



He wrote, “All the luck in your new stage!! Wish you the best, Sergi Roberto!” This connection has fueled rumors that Roberto could join the Florida-based team.



However, it appears that the Spanish player has other ideas. According to <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240719/1002284138/sergi-roberto.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mundo Deportivo</a>, the Spanish midfielder is keen to stay in Europe, where he believes he still has much to offer. 



Clubs like Ajax, Girona, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/west-ham-tv-schedule">West Ham</a> have all been linked with a move for Roberto, who is eager to sign with a new team within the next two weeks. 



His preference for Europe suggests that he still sees himself competing at the highest level, possibly in one of the continent’s top leagues.



Photo credits: IMAGO / NurPhoto : IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Inter Miami snubbed as Sergi Roberto moves on from Barcelona

Sergi Roberto has officially left Barcelona, but has left people guessing over his next club after rejecting Inter Miami

Sergi Roberto is reportedly set to leave Barcelona at the conclusion of the current season. Thus, Arsenal have been mentioned as potential suitors for the player.



Jurrien Timber was brought in as a new full-back by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> during the summer transfer window. It came after a poor season finale in which William Saliba was out with an injury and Rob Holding started many games.



Due to Holding’s lack of preparation for such important matches during the championship chase, Arsenal faltered in those games. 



Timber might have prevented the championship slide last season if he had been at the Emirates.



Ben White or Timber might have played center back, with the other starting on the right. The acquisition was a last-minute attempt to secure those trophies for the Gunners this season.



Timber, unfortunately, hurt himself 50 minutes into his <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> debut and has not played since, so, the plan has not materialized.



Because their starting back four has been available for most of the season, the Gunners’ defence has been solid. Only Liverpool have allowed fewer goals in the Premier League this campaign.



Nevertheless, it’s believed that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arteta-vows-to-continue-speaking-out-for-refereeing-improvement-20231124-WST-472371.html">Mikel Arteta</a> seems to still be holding out hope that he can strengthen the defense.



<h2>Sergi Roberto now on Arsenal’s radar</h2>



Jorginho is just one example of the experienced leaders the Gunners have been trying to add to their roster. The most recent rumors have it that Arsenal are seriously considering signing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> captain Sergi Roberto.



Even the team’s current first captain, Sergi Roberto, reportedly has no idea what the future holds at Camp Nou. His performances against Almeria should pave the way for him to start playing a significant role for Xavi this year.



But when the Spanish boss uses all of his midfielders, he doesn’t anticipate Roberto to see much action. A product of La Masia, the versatile player renewed his contract with Barcelona for another year last year.



Once he made his senior debut, he continued his professional career with Barcelona. So, it is believed that the Spaniard’s staying put is his top priority.



If he is forced to leave the Catalan club, however, <a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/premier-league-tento-sergi-roberto-96346827" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPORT</a> reports that the Premier League may prove too much for him to refuse. The right-back is very much admired by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, according to the report.



In an effort to rekindle their interest in the 31-year-old, the Gunners have been monitoring his situation for some time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231231_WST_480791_Sergi-Roberto-1-1200x670_5aad9945.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-480841" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Sergi-Roberto-1-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Sergi-Roberto-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Sergi-Roberto-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Sergi-Roberto-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Sergi Roberto is an experienced Champions League winner</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Killing two birds with one stone</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2023/12/29/658eb077e2704eb5998b45ab.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marca</a>, both Barcelona and Roberto are still optimistic about reaching a deal that would trigger an extension until 2025. As the club continues to manage their precarious financial condition, no official discussions are scheduled at this time.



To save money, Joan Laporta has shipped off and sold star players in recent years. This means that Roberto may be freed if the numbers don’t work out for him.



The veteran has the adaptability, extensive expertise, and exceptional quality necessary to resolve Arsenal’s issues. Despite his prominence at full-back, he sometimes switches it up and plays as a box-to-box midfielder.



To cap off his La Liga season, he started in the middle of the field in a 3-2 win against Almeria, where he scored twice to give his team the win.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Pressinphoto

Look who Arsenal found: Barca captain can fix two major issues

Arsenal's coach Mikel Arteta is said to be considering Barcelona captain as potential answer to two of their pressing problems.

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Inter Miami snubbed as Sergi Roberto moves on from Barcelona

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Look who Arsenal found: Barca captain can fix two major issues