Sergi Roberto makes a special request to Barcelona new signing

After 14 years of dedicated service, Sergi Roberto, a player who has become synonymous with FC Barcelona, has officially parted ways with the club. 

At 32, Roberto’s journey with Barcelona has come to an end, marking the conclusion of a chapter that saw him grow from a promising La Masia graduate to a key player in the first team. 

Roberto bid his final farewell to the club that shaped his career, and one of the most poignant moments of this farewell involved the passing of the torch—or in this case, the passing of the number 20 shirt—to the club’s new signing, Dani Olmo.

Legacy to be carried on

According to Mundo Deportivo, during the farewell ceremony, which was filled with speeches and commemorative photos, Roberto took the time to personally greet each of the current Barcelona players. 

When it was Olmo’s turn to meet the departing captain, the exchange between the two carried significant weight. 

Dani Olmo will wear the number 20 shirt at Barcelona. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Roberto, who had proudly worn the number 20 shirt for much of his time at Barcelona, asked Olmo to take good care of the number, a request that was met with a warm response. 

Olmo understands the job

Olmo, understanding the importance of the moment, shared a light-hearted laugh with Roberto before the two embraced, symbolizing the passing of a legacy.

Dani Olmo, who is set to inherit the number 20 shirt, does so with a deep understanding of its significance. 

The choice of the number isn’t just a random assignment; it is a nod to Deco, the former Barcelona midfielder and current sporting director who played a crucial role in Olmo’s arrival at the club. 

Deco himself wore the number 20 during his playing days at Barcelona, and Olmo’s decision to take on the same number is a tribute to the Portuguese maestro and a continuation of the shirt’s legacy.

Though Roberto’s playing days at Barcelona have come to an end, his contributions to the club won’t be forgotten. 

To honour his years of service, the club has planned a farewell event for the former captain. This event will take place tomorrow, August 13,  in the Auditori 1899 at Camp Nou.