Sergi Roberto, a versatile Barcelona veteran, had been anticipated to return for the upcoming season but rejected the club’s offer.
The 30-year-old agreed to a one-season extension last summer, taking a significant pay cut to stay with the team after sitting out the most of the previous season.
His contract was due for renewal once more, and according to Sport, Barcelona was prepared to extend it for another year with the option of another, in a deal that would not have exceeded their pay cap.
Roberto favours a one-year contract renewal with no subsequent extension option since he thinks the condition is unjust.
This should not come as a surprise considering that the Spaniard had to accept a 60% wage reduction over the summer in order to prolong his tenure at Barça.
He is still interested in staying at Camp Nou for a another year, but signing a contract with a unique provision would allow his overall pay to keep the same for that second year.
Roberto stated in January that “Everything remains the same. My desire to continue is the same, we have not started to speak at the club. I am sure that in the coming days or weeks we will speak with the President.”
Although it still looks like he wants to stay at Barcelona, giving him almost the league minimum for a second straight season may have damaged their relationship.
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