Roberto to stay at Barcelona till 2022

Barcelona, February 23: Spanish midfielder Sergi Roberto has renewed his contract with Barcelona that will see him stay at the Camp Nou till 2022.

The 26-year-old was a hot transfer target of many top-notch clubs including Premier League giants Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, before penning a new deal with the current La Liga leaders.

Mr.Versatile @SergiRoberto10 on his new contract and the team's current form #SergiRoberto2022https://t.co/WQkWz2rmXW

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 22, 2018

"Since renewal talks began, I always wanted to be here. It's the club of my life and I've been a fan since I was small," Roberto was quoted as saying in the Spanish media after inking the deal with Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Molt content de firmar la renovació amb el https://t.co/GUt1gOoD0K fins el 2022 i poder seguir cumplint somnis amb la samarreta blaugrana ! Força Barça 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/OY7qa3UTjn

— Sergi Roberto (@SergiRoberto10) February 22, 2018

"It's true that other clubs were interested, but I wanted to be here and I'm happy to have renewed until 2022. If I can continue even longer, then so much the better.

"I hope it's not the last contract I sign. My desire is to retire here and hopefully I can follow in the footsteps of Andres Iniesta and Leo Messi," added Roberto has made 34 appearances for Barcelona this season.

🎥 @SergiRoberto10 on his contract extension and Barça's current excellent form #SergiRoberto2022 pic.twitter.com/nuT81AVJ2n

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 22, 2018

In total, Roberto has now made 187 appearances for the club, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies in the process.

Roberto's most famous came against Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League, when he scored the winning goal as Barca came from 0-4 down to win 6-5 on aggregate.

"That goal changed a lot," he said. "People on the streets always remember that goal. It's what they want to talk about and it's a great memory for me. That goal has marked my career. It was a very special, unique moment."

His priority now though is to force his way into the Spain squad for the summer's World Cup in Russia.

"To play in the World Cup with Spain would be a dream. I've already played in an Under-17s World Cup and another at under-20. Any player would want to go to a World Cup," he added.

"I'm close because I've been called up to several squads and I hope Julen Lopetegui gives me the opportunity to be at the World Cup. At the very least, I'm going to work hard for it."

(With Agency inputs).