Xavi: 'I want Sergi Roberto to stay. The club knows'

Xavi has come out openly to say he is strongly against Barcelona offloading their captain Sergi Roberto.

"I want Sergi Roberto to renew, to stay. It's up to him. The club knows my position with Sergi," Xavi told the media.

Explaining his stance, the Barca coach said: "He can help us, he has already done so since we arrived as a staff. I hope he can stay."

Roberto is a leader and a strong voice in Barca's dressing room. The Spaniard is gradually entering the twilight of his career but at 32, Xavi still believes he has plenty to offer.

Roberto has struggled with injuries this season it's why he's made just 19 appearances so far but he has more goals (3) than Pedri (2).

THREE reasons why Barca are renewing Sergi Roberto