Ex-Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto admits he refused numerous offers from the Premier League to link up with Como this summer. The versatile midfielder insists he has joined the Serie A newcomers out of respect for club manager Cesc Fabregas.
Roberto joined Como on a free transfer in August after his contract at Camp Nou expired at the end of last season. He has found a familiar face at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The 32-year-old shared the dressing room with Fabregas at Barcelona.
They have reunited in Italy to help Como stay in Serie A. The Lariani earned a long-awaited top-flight promotion last season. In addition to Roberto, several other high-profile names have joined forces with Fabregas’s side, including Alberto Moreno, Andrea Belotti, and Raphael Varane.
Roberto claims the influence of his former Barcelona captain has convinced him to team up with Como, highlighting Fabregas’s role in his move.
“I was lucky to have captains [Puyol, Xavi, Messi, Iniesta, Busquets] who were my idols as men and footballers—legends,” the new Como star said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “It’s an honor to have him [Fabregas] as a coach.
“He was one of the best footballers in the world, and now I can’t wait to start his adventure by his side. He has just started his career, and I am sure we’ll help each other in many ways.
“I had offers from Spain, the Middle East, and others from Europe, as well as Serie A and Premier, but when I spoke to Fabregas for the first time, I understood how ambitious the club was,” the Como ace stated.
“The target is to stay in Serie A, but I appreciate that Cesc and the club think big. Having him as a coach impacted my decision, and, not less importantly, Como is one of the most beautiful places in the world.“
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