Sergi Roberto was ‘very screwed up’ by Barcelona whistles

Sergi Roberto has been talking about life at Barcelona and has admitted he was “very screwed up” after being whistled by his own fans earlier this season in the defeat to Bayern Munich.

Reports after the game claimed Roberto was in tears in the dressing room, while Gerard Pique said afterwards he was hurt by the way supporters had jeered his team-mate in the Champions Leageu loss.

Roberto has now given an interview to Diario Sport where he says he was surprised by the way he was treated by fans but will use it as motivation to work hard and improve.

“I started the season with two goals and one assist. This is why I was a bit surprised by the whistles. You have to respect everyone’s opinion and use it as extra motivation, extra motivation to work more, compete better and face it in this way,” he said.

“I’m like this. If I am known for something, it is because I will not stop fighting and I will always work to the fullest. I have done it from day one and will continue to do so.

“I’m not going to fool you, that day I was very screwed up. Both the day of the game and the following days. It had never happened to me and it’s unpleasant. I have been a player who has spent my whole life at the club and things like that, nobody likes them. If it didn’t affect me, it would be a problem. It would mean that I don’t care and I do care.”

The midfielder also spoke about his future at the club after reports contract extension talks with Barca had stopped. President Joan Laporta told RAC1 on Friday that the club is still working on the new deal and Roberto is hopeful it will be sorted soon.

“Yes. The president has already spoken. This summer has been very busy, there have been many things, and there are still many things around the team and everything,” he added. “As the president has said, I am confident that it will close soon.”

Roberto is currently with the Spain squad preparing for Sunday’s Nations League final against France. The 29-year-old was a late substitute for Barca teammate Gavi in the win over Italy and could get more minutes at the weekend.