Sergi Roberto bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona after 18 years at the club, with the 32-year-old midfielder leaving following the expiration of his contract.

Roberto joined Barca’s youth ranks at the tender age of 14 back in 2006 and went on to play 373 first-team games for the Catalan giants.

A farewell event was held for Roberto at Auditorium 1899, near the Camp Nou, on Tuesday, attended by the entire first-team squad, including summer signing Dani Olmo, who is still not yet officially registered as a Barca player.

Sergi Roberto pictured wiping away a tear during his Barcelona farewell event on Tuesday

Club legends Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, and Xavi were also in attendance, as Roberto broke down in tears while addressing the gathered crowd.

During the event, a highlight reel of Roberto’s Barca career was played on a big screen, featuring countless stars who had long left the club. Roberto reacted by turning to the crowd and saying, “Now it is my turn [to leave].”

Roberto also expressed his gratitude to the club, saying he will be “eternally grateful” for allowing him to enjoy many “unforgettable moments”.

Club president Joan Laporta said, “Sergi Roberto has been an example. I can only say thank you for your commitment and your gratitude. Barca is, and always will be, your home.”

Former Barcelona superstars Gerard Pique (left) and Xavi (right) were also in attendance

It is not yet clear where Roberto’s next stage will be, but he reportedly rejected a move to Saudi Arabia earlier this year. The midfielder is understood to be more interested in a reunion with former Barca stars Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.

Italian Serie A side Fiorentina and English Premier League outfit West Ham have also been linked with interest in Roberto.

Despite spending most of his career playing as a defensive midfielder or at right back, Roberto scored 19 goals for Barca, including a memorable goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League in 2017.

Roberto won the Champions League twice with Barca – in 2011 and 2015 – and also helped the club win La Liga seven times.

Lionel Messi, who was not present at the event, sent a message to Roberto via Instagram, writing, “All the luck in your new stage!! Wish you the best, Sergi Roberto!”

Lionel Messi (right) and Roberto (left) pictured celebrating a goal against Celta Vigo in 2020

Roberto’s most famous Barca goal came against PSG in the UEFA Champions League in 2017.

Roberto’s most famous Barca goal came against PSG in the UEFA Champions League in 2017

As Roberto embarks on a new chapter in his career, he will always be remembered as a Barca legend.