Barcelona star signs new deal rejecting Manchester United offer

Barcelona have tied up their young star defender Sergi Roberto to a new deal that see the young Spaniard stay at Camp Nou till 2022. The deal also effectively puts an end to all speculations regarding a bid from Manchester United for the youngster.

Sergi Roberto has emerged as one of the most promising players in the Barcelona ranks ever since been given the opportunity by Luis Enrique. Roberto, who has been at the club for 12 years now has proved to be a versatile player. A midfielder by trade, Roberto truly came to the fore when used a right-back last 

📝 @SergiRoberto10 signs his contract extension with FC Barcelona until 2022 💙❤ #ForçaBarça #SergiRoberto2022 pic.twitter.com/sRQ6UbSBKm

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 22, 2018

The player revealed that he indeed had offers from other clubs but decided to stay put and fight for his place.

"To the youngsters at the club I would say don't stop fighting, that it's not an easy path, that they focus on what they're doing here and don't look at offers. I would tell them to have patience, that their chance will arrive," Roberto said.

"The most difficult moments were when I was’t playing, when I was on the bench or watching from home,” he added. "But I have always said that I want to be on the pitch. It's true that I played a lot of games in midfield, but now I have played a lot at right-back.

“Adapting to another position has allowed me to play more minutes. I have played a lot of games there now. What I want is to help the team and to feel important and I’m grateful to Luis Enrique for giving me that opportunity.”

United were reportedly looking to activate the 26-year-old’s £36m release clause in the summer. Barca’s new boss Ernesto Valverde, however, saw to it that he remained focussed in his life at Catalonia and his trust in the player has been repaid in full this season.

Many thought that the defender will struggle to find minutes in the Barcelona team since the arrival of Paulinho and Nelso Semedo. The Spaniard, has, however, shown some real character and stayed put while delivering quality performances.