Barcelona's Sergi Roberto has claimed that he is currently on the wage of a 'player who just came out of the B team' amid the club's ongoing financial issues.
It's no surprise to hear stories like this when the Catalan giants have been in financial disarray for the past few years.
A combination of loans, poor decision making, losing Lionel Messi and poor squad planning have all combined to leave the club in the state its currently at, but they do currently sit top of La Liga ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
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We even saw Barca legend Gerard Pique reveal after retiring prior to the World Cup, that he was owed over €30 million by the club - but they still managed to make SEVEN summer signings.
Over the years, Roberto has made 328 appearances for the club and has won six league titles, as well as two Champions League titles among many other trophies, but currently finds himself underpaid due to the financial constrictions.
“Right now I am earning as if I just came from the B team, but I do it with pride because I want to be here,” he said.
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“I wanted to stay here and now I’m enjoying it. For me the economic side is not important. Now what I wanted was to enjoy things. One year? Well, then just a year. I wanted to be physically fit again and enjoy myself again.”
“I did not have to reduce my salary because my contract ended. We had to negotiate a new one. The captains have also made an [economic] effort. Two years ago we were the only ones who did it. We made the effort but we didn’t want to say anything.”
Roberto, 30, signed a one-year extension in the summer, but is currently out of contract in the summer, and despite everything going on at the club, he hopes to stay.
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“We haven’t started talking yet, but my idea is to stay. From what the coaching staff has said to me, they are very happy and want me to stay,” he added.
“I am enjoying football again and I would be very excited to continue. Above all, I have good feelings and I want to be able to enjoy playing in the Barca shirt.”
Roberto has had to contend with a muscular and shoulder problem this season that has seen him miss eight games, but he's still manage to start six games in the league and Champions League combined.
He has two goals and two assists in 573 minutes of action across 12 appearances and has fallen down the pecking order, but remains a useful squad player.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Barcelona, Sergi Roberto, La Liga, Football