Barcelona bids farewell to its captain officially
In a poignant moment at the Camp Nou, Sergi Roberto, a veteran midfielder who spent his entire professional career at Barcelona, bid an emotional farewell to the club's fans after 18 years of dedicated service. Roberto, aged 32, officially announced his departure from the Catalan giants, leaving a significant void in the squad.
Roberto, who served as the captain in recent seasons, was a versatile player, switching between defensive midfield and right-back roles with ease. His 373 appearances for the first team, during which he scored 19 goals and provided 43 assists, have been instrumental in Barcelona's success over the years. Among his numerous accolades, Roberto has won two Champions League titles, seven La Liga championships, and various other cups.
As Roberto embarks on a new chapter, the question of who will take over the captaincy arises. Although the club has not officially confirmed a new captain, Marc-André ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper, is widely referred to as the interim captain in current reports. Ter Stegen, who has been with FC Barcelona since 2014, making him the longest-serving player in the current squad, is a club stalwart and Germany international.
However, Ter Stegen's future with the club is uncertain. He has faced persistent injuries and is reportedly considering back surgery that could sideline him for months. Moreover, he has attracted a significant contract offer from Galatasaray, adding further complexity to the leadership situation. The club's current financial restrictions and ongoing discussions with other senior players, such as Frenkie de Jong, further complicate the matter.
If Ter Stegen departs or is sidelined long-term, a new official captain is likely to be voted in before the season starts, following Barca’s traditional process. Meanwhile, Frankie de Jong and Ronald Araújo have been named as vice-captains, ready to step up should the need arise.
Roberto, in his farewell speech, expressed his deep affection for Barcelona, calling it the club of his life. He emphasised that he was proud of his service to the team, putting the team's interests above his own. As he moves on, he leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to forget.
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In the upcoming European-leagues season, questions about captaincy for FC Barcelona arise, with Marc-André ter Stegen being the widely-referred interim captain, however, his future with the club remains uncertain due to potential injuries and interest from Galatasaray. Amidst this, Frankie de Jong and Ronald Araújo have been named as vice-captains, readying themselves to step up should the need arise, in a turning of the guard following the emotional departure of veteran footballer, Sergi Roberto, who spent 18 years and made 373 appearances in the Barcelona first team.
