Sergi Roberto says he’ll renew Barcelona contract on lower wage

Sergi Roberto says he’s willing to renew his Barcelona contract on a lower wage to help the club with their financial problems.

The 29-year-old year’s current deal expires next summer but Roberto had made it clear he wants to stay and is waiting to hear from the Catalan giants.

“What we feel is that a lot of people talk without knowing things. I, for example, am waiting for an offer from the club,” he said. “My situation is different. I’m out of contract this season and I’ll renew at a low price. We are helping. I don’t understand the criticism we’ve got, it has no sense.”

Roberto also admitted he wanted to forget last season after struggling with injury and Covid but has “worked hard” all summer to get back to full fitness.

The versatile star has played in midfield in preseason and admitted he thinks that where he expects to be deployed under Ronald Koeman in 2021-22.

“I’m asked every year but now having two full backs and for how the training is going and the games, I see myself more in midfield,” he said. “I want to play there but it’s up to the coach of course.”

Roberto was also pretty upbeat about his team’s chances despite the loss of captain Lionel Messi. The midfielder admitted it would be tough without the captain but went on to explain how the team must try to play without the Argentine.

“We have to be more united than ever, be a more compact team with the ball and without it, press up together ... If we don’t manage to score Messi’s 40 goals, then let’s try to score 30 but receive 10 less.

“You have to balance. Take a step forward, starting with the captains, the signings later and the young people who come up, who will have to be helped. We have a very good squad. I review all the Primera and I am convinced that it is the best.”

Source | La Vanguardia

Barca confirmed earlier in the day that Gerard Pique had agreed a substantial paycut which had allowed the club to register Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia, and Rey Manaj. The club also added that salary talks were continuing with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.