Midfielder Sergi Roberto (Reus, Tarragona, 1992), who has served as FC Barcelona's captain, bid farewell to the Catalan club this Tuesday with a heartfelt message: "La Masia will always be the heart of this club."

The Reus-born player said goodbye to what has been his home for 18 years at the Auditori 1899, surrounded by teammates, coaching staff, board members, friends, and family.

Among the attendees was former Barça coach Xavi Hernández, who greeted players and some club representatives and sat with his former teammates Gerard Piqué and Carles Puyol, as well as ex-footballer Juan Carlos Unzué.

"In recent years, I’ve seen how legends and teammates have retired, and now it’s my turn," Roberto began in his farewell speech, leaving behind a legacy of 25 titles and 373 matches during his long tenure as a Blaugrana.

The Catalan player, whose future is still undecided after his contract with Barcelona ended last season, said he "never" would have imagined "debuting with the first team" and that becoming the first captain was "an honor and a source of pride."

"Now I leave the armband in good hands, Marc's hands," Roberto said, referring to goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who will take over the role of first captain starting this season.

Roberto's speech emphasized his journey from La Masia, where he arrived at just 14 years old, to becoming a key player in the first team.

"La Masia is and will always be the heart of this club. We have incredible players there, and I would tell them to be patient. Stay calm, work hard, and put in the effort," Roberto advised the young talents beginning to emerge in the Blaugrana squad, some of whom were present at the farewell event.

He added that if their dream is to reach the first team, as it was for him, the steps to follow are "endurance and hard work," because "that's how opportunities come in the best team in the world."

During the event, club president Joan Laporta offered words of tribute to Roberto: "Sergi, you are history, a symbol, and a role model for Barça. You have been exemplary, and as president, I can only express my gratitude for your commitment. Barça is and always will be your home," he emphasized.

Before concluding, Sergi Roberto addressed the Barça fans, thanking them "for their support over all these years," although he regretted not being able to "say goodbye on the field," and wished "the best" to his teammates, whom he said have "a bright future."

"I leave very happy and proud. I’ve given everything to this club for 18 years. This chapter is closing, but I’m sure our paths will cross again. Long live Barça forever!" he concluded.