Como: the astonishing return to the top of Sergi Roberto

With two Champions Leagues, seven La Liga, six Spanish Cups, five Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup and one Club World Cup to his credit, Sergi Roberto (32) has an incredible track record. Complementary player within FC Barcelona for more than a decade, the native of Reus has not always been indisputable, has often been discussed, but will have provided a solution in the Blaugrana squad whether at the right-back position or relay environment. Free since this summer, he had to embark on a new adventure and that’s when the Como opportunity arrived.

While he had opportunities in the Premier League and with Ajax Amsterdam, he ultimately decided to take a risk by joining a promoted side. However, the Italian club had presented an ambitious project to the native of Reus. This summer, Como spent nearly 49 million euros in the transfer window with some notable reinforcements like Raphaël Varane – who has since retired – and Italian international striker Andrea Belotti. Real Madrid nugget, Nico Paz has also strengthened the Lombard club and is performing well. Finally, Sergi Roberto found compatriots and former teammates from the Spanish selection like Alberto Moreno and Pepe Reina but also coach Cesc Fabregas.

Cesc Fabregas made it an essential element

The one who was his teammate on the FC Barcelona side played a crucial role in his arrival, as the latter did not fail to remind in a long message on his Linkedin account: “Since the start of the summer, Cesc has shown me his interest, explaining to me the entire club project and the ambition he had. It was exactly what I was looking for: new challenges. Como 1907 have just been promoted from Serie B and hadn’t been in Serie A since 2003, so it was a very exciting challenge to be able to bring joy back to all their fans.» And if the dynamic is currently negative with 4 defeats and 2 draws in the last six matches, the overall results remain positive with a fifteenth place which allows us to stay out of the relegation zone.

For Sergi Roberto on an individual level, things are going perfectly in any case. “I can say it was the perfect decision, because I am really enjoying my new life here and looking forward to everything that is to come» he also declared on his social networks. Holder with 8 appearances for an assist, he has recently had knee problems which come at a time when his team is struggling and has missed the last three matches due to injury. In any case, his return is expected from his coach Cesc Fabregas who has made him an essential link in his midfield: “he came to Como to give this personality to the team. Having a player like that, who inspires confidence, creates the game, plays forward the way I like, it’s important to create an identity and to help the team believe in it in difficult moments.» Back at a good level and becoming essential, Sergi Roberto bounced back well for Italy.