Sergi Roberto, captain of Barcelona, said this Friday in Dallas, ahead of the pre-season classic against Real Madrid, that he trusts that Ousmane Dembélé will continue in the team despite the rumors that place him far from the Blaugrana club.
"I don't (I see him leaving), I hope not. Ousmane is a key player for us. I would say that he is practically the most decisive player we have in the squad because of his way of playing," he argued at a press conference.
"I think he is a very special player and I sincerely hope he stays with us because he is a key piece in the dressing room and he is also very loved in the dressing room," he added.
El AT
"In the end, a classic is always special, it's always different from any other game," said Roberto, who expects a "very disputed" match against the meringues.
Carlo Ancelotti's team has won two wins in two pre-season games: 3-2 against Milan and 2-0 against Manchester United.
"There really aren't any friendly matches. Once you enter the pitch, all the players want to win (...). The preseason is against very good opponents and that's what we want. In the end to be prepared for the first game in the league, playing against these teams, and especially against Real Madrid tomorrow, is a very good test for us. Tomorrow we will go out to win", assured the Barcelona player.
Roberto indicated that Barcelona's additions for this year (Gündogan, Oriol Romeu and Íñigo Martínez) are "spectacular players" and he maintained that he has "full confidence" in this team. "I see a very good squad to fight for everything," said the Barça captain, who said, however, that if another signing arrives "he will be welcome" by the dressing room.
Roberto also talked about what it means for him to wear the bracelet from the outfit he has loved since he was a child. "Since my debut in the first team, I have gone through captains like Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Busquets... Following the path that they have followed is a real honor and pleasure for me. What I want is to enjoy, enjoy this moment. It's a dream as a culé that I have been from a very young age to be the first captain. It is a real pride and honor", he explained.
