Sergi Roberto Reflects on Como's Rise and Barcelona Memories

Como midfielder Sergi Roberto has hailed his team's remarkable season and the impact of manager Cesc Fabregas, while reflecting on his own historic moment with Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder, who joined the Italian club on a free transfer last summer after leaving Barcelona, has been a key part of Como's fairytale push for a Champions League place in their first season back in Serie A.

Speaking to DAZN's 'Storie di Serie A', the 32-year-old expressed his and the team's astonishment at their own success. "When I arrived last year, the objective was simply to stay in Serie A. This year, expectations were higher, but no one could have imagined we would be fighting for the Champions League. To be able to hear the anthem for the city, the club, and the fans would be historic," said the Spaniard. The club currently sit in a remarkable 4th place with 58 points after 31 games, a position that would secure a spot in Europe's premier club competition.

Roberto, who spent 14 years in Barcelona's first team, was full of praise for his coach and former teammate, Cesc Fabregas. "He is a role model for me," Roberto said. "His ideas and the way he communicates are incredible. I'm trying to learn so much from him. I believe he is already one of the best coaches around, and he will only get better." He also highlighted Juventus's Kenan Yildiz as the opponent who has impressed him most since arriving in Italy, calling the young forward "a different player."

Reflecting on his own career, Roberto was asked about the goal that etched his name in football history: the 95th-minute, 6-1 winner against Paris Saint-Germain that completed Barcelona's historic 6-1 (6-5 agg.) comeback in the 2017 Champions League. "When I meet fans, they still remind me of that goal," Roberto said. "It will be remembered forever; it will remain a special moment in Barcelona's history. After that day, people sent me videos from all over the world of people going crazy. I re-lived it for days, thinking about it day and night."

Now, the veteran is focused on a different kind of history with Como. He credits the team's unity for their success. "We are a family, and that is our strength," he stated, highlighting the youthful squad's chemistry. The team faces a stern test this weekend as they host league leaders Inter Milan, a match Roberto sees as another chance to prove their top-four credentials. The Spanish midfielder's experience and leadership have been vital in Como's dream season, as they look to cap a fairytale campaign with a historic Champions League qualification.