Emotional Sergi Roberto says tearful farewell to Barcelona after 18 years at the club as Lionel Messi sends a message to his former team-mate

Sergi Roberto has said an emotional goodbye to Barcelona after almost two decades at the club.

The 32-year-old midfielder joined Barca’s youth ranks aged 14 back in 2006 and played 373 first-team games for the Catalan giants.

But he left the club this summer following the expiration of his contract.

A farewell event for Roberto took place at Auditorium 1899, near to the Camp Nou, on Tuesday.

It was attended by the entire first-team squad, including summer signing Dani Olmo, who is still not yet officially registered as a Barca player.

Lamine Yamal (right) was in the crowd during Tuesday’s event near the Camp Nou stadium

Club legends Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique and Xavi were also in attendance.

Roberto broke down in tears as he addressed the gathered crowd.

During Tuesday’s event, a highlight reel of Roberto’s Barca career was played on a big screen.

The video featured countless stars who had long left the club and Roberto reacted by turning to the crowd and saying: ‘Now it is my turn [to leave].’

Roberto also said that he will be ‘eternally grateful’ to the club for allowing him to enjoy many ‘unforgettable moments’. 

Club president Joan Laporta said: ‘Sergi Roberto has been an example.

‘I can only say thank you for your commitment and your gratitude. Barca is, and always will be, your home.’

Former Barcelona superstars Gerard Pique (left) and Xavi (right) were also in attendance

Barca president Joan Laporta (left) gave Roberto a hug and thanked him for his commitment

Roberto (seventh from the right on the back row) posed for a group photo with the Barca squad

Barca’s record goalscorer Lionel Messi was not at Tuesday’s event but he had earlier sent Roberto a message via Instagram.

Messi wrote: ‘All the luck in your new stage!! Wish you the best, Sergi Roberto!’

It is not yet clear where that next stage will be. Roberto reportedly…