Chelsea target Sergi Roberto has opted to stay at Barcelona, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.
Speaking after Barca’s 2-0 win over Real Betis on the opening day of the La Liga season, the 25 year old told reporters that he was worried that he wouldn’t be given game time by new manager Ernesto Valverde due to a lack of minutes in preseason. He is quoted by the Daily Star as saying that his inclusion in the starting line up on Sunday has convinced him to stay at the Camp Nou:
“I’m happy. [Against Real Madrid in the Super Cup] I was happy on a personal level and I felt comfortable today, too. I played in my favoured midfield position. I started at the Bernabeu and the coach has given me confidence. I’ve scored today and I want to be important. In preseason I wasn’t starting, but now in the official matches I am playing more. I want to continue here and continue like this.”
Sport believe that Juventus were the keenest to seal a deal for the midfielder with a €40million offer being prepared to activate his release clause. Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan were also monitoring the player’s situation at the La Liga club.
Although the situation could still change before August 31st, it seems likely Roberto will be remaining at Barcelona after weeks of speculation that he had become unsettled at the club.
