Barcelona's Sergi Roberto: "I would have liked to play with Messi again"

Sergi Roberto faces the new season as Barcelona's primary captain. That means he is an authoritative voice in the dressing room. On Tuesday, the midfielder took to the microphones on RAC1's 'Tú diràs' show to analyse the current situation at the club. Sergi Roberto spoke about Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and, of course, his new role in the team.

The midfielder regretted that Messi's return was not possible: "Everyone was looking forward to it and personally I would have liked to play with Leo again. It was the story that everyone wanted him to return home, because it would have been the opportunity to give him the farewell he deserved. We tried, but it wasn't possible."

From Messi to Lamine Yamal, the latest talent from the youth academy to whom many predict a bright future. Xavi gave him minutes last season against Real Betis, making the player from Mataró the youngest player to wear the Blaugrana jersey in LaLiga.

Lamine is currently on tour in the United States with the first team and has already made his mark on the dressing room.

"He's surprised me, because he's a different player to everyone else," admits Sergi Roberto, who also pointed out another name: "Fermín López also stands out for his quality."

The Barça captain also responded to rumours that Kylian Mbappé could join the club, rumours that the club themselves were quick to dismiss as unfounded.

"I don't know if it's viable for him to come," he said. "It's clear that if he could come he would be welcome, because we always want the best players, but I don't know what is happening with players who are not at Barça."

Salary

Despite the criticism received in the club's worst economic times, Sergi Roberto showed his Barcelonismo by revising his contract downwards.

The midfielder saw his salary cut by more than half, from 12 million plus generous variables he has gone to five million with not so generous variables, an effort he maintains.

"My situation has changed, but it's not something I think about," he said. "I am very fortunate to be at the club of my life. There were complicated moments and this shows the esteem I have for the club, otherwise I wouldn't have stuck it out."

Finally, he was very happy to be the first team captain: "It's a responsibility, but I take it on with great pleasure and pride. We make a good team with (the other captains) Ter Stegen, Araujo and De Jong."