Ex-Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto admits he refused quite a few affords from the Premier League to hyperlink up with Como this summer season. The versatile midfielder insists he has joined the Serie A newcomers out of respect for membership supervisor Cesc Fabregas.

Roberto joined Como on a free switch in August after his contract at Camp Nou expired on the finish of final season. He has discovered a well-known face at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. The 32-year-old shared the dressing room with Fabregas at Barcelona.

They’ve reunited in Italy to assist Como keep in Serie A. The Lariani earned a long-awaited top-flight promotion final season. Along with Roberto, a number of different high-profile names have joined forces with Fabregas’s aspect, together with Alberto Moreno, Andrea Belotti, and Raphael Varane.

Roberto claims the affect of his former Barcelona captain has satisfied him to crew up with Como, highlighting Fabregas’s function in his transfer.

“I used to be fortunate to have captains [Puyol, Xavi, Messi, Iniesta, Busquets] who have been my idols as males and footballers—legends,” the brand new Como star mentioned in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “It’s an honor to have him [Fabregas] as a coach.

“He was probably the greatest footballers on the planet, and now I can’t wait to begin his journey by his aspect. He has simply began his profession, and I’m certain we’ll assist one another in some ways.

“I had affords from Spain, the Center East, and others from Europe, in addition to Serie A and Premier, however after I spoke to Fabregas for the primary time, I understood how formidable the membership was,” the Como ace acknowledged.

“The goal is to remain in Serie A, however I admire that Cesc and the membership suppose large. Having him as a coach impacted my resolution, and, not much less importantly, Como is among the most lovely locations on the planet.“