Former Barcelona captain hurt by new manager Hansi Flick's recent comments in press conference - Reports
Former Barcelona skipper Sergio Roberto is reportedly hurt by manager Hansi Flick's recent comments about the Spaniard's future. Roberto, as it stands, is without a club after his contract at Barca expired at the end of last month.
Since then, there has been a lot of speculation about the 11-cap Spain international's future. There were also murmurs of a new deal at Barca but there has been no concrete development on that front so far.
Flick was asked to address Roberto's immediate future at a recent press conference, to which he gave a curt response. He said, via Fabrizio Romano:
"He’s NOT Barça player, as things stand."
According to Diario AS (via BarcaUniversal), Roberto was hurt by the German tactician's words. The report added that it wasn't Flick's intention to belittle him and that the club believes the manager's words came across as rude because of his lack of English proficiency.
Moreover, Flick was reportedly curt with his response because he didn't want to prolong the discussion. It remains to be seen if the financially-stricken Blaugrana outfit offer a new deal to Roberto, who has been wearing their colors since 2006.
Arsenal have reportedly made a move to bring Roberto to the Emirates this summer. West Ham United, Ajax, and Aston Villa are also said to be interested in acquiring his services.
Xavi wanted Barcelona to offer a new deal to Sergi Roberto
Some within Barcelona's fanbase felt Xavi Hernandez's exit as Barcelona's manager could impact Sergi Roberto's future at the club. The Spanish manager, after all, publicly demanded a new deal for the player.
Back in January this year, Xavi was quoted as saying in a presser (via BarcaBlaugranes):
"I would recommend to the club that they renew Sergi Roberto. They already know it. He is important, he can play in many positions. You have to explain very little to him. He knows what Barça is, what it represents. A highly criticized footballer, but he always plays at a high level. I’m delighted with him."
Roberto made 373 senior appearances for Barca, 24 of which came last season, where he registered three goals and assists each. It is unclear if Barcelona will offer him a new deal but with each passing day, the possibility of him staying at Spotify Camp Nou gets slimmer.