With 56 Spain caps and 382 appearances for Barcelona to his name in a glorious career that spanned nine years – and nine major trophies – at the Camp Nou, Sergi Barjuan can rightly claim to have had a more successful career than many of his peers on the pitch at the Dubai Indoor International Football Championship.
Indeed such was his impact during his time in Catalonia, the diminutive left back made it into Sport360°’s Barcelona team of the past two decades, alongside such names as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Miguel Angel Nadal and Andoni Zubizarreta.
However, Sergi, who also appeared in two World Cups for Spain, was in no doubt as to the best he had ever played alongside.”Ronaldo, Romario and Rivaldo were all fantastic players, but for me, Romario was the best. He knew where the goal was, one chance, he scores.”
Asked to name his favourite of the current bunch of Barcelona stars, Sergi looked past the sublime talents of Lionel Messi. “Messi is of course a fantastic player, but for me Xavi is the most complete midfielder in the world. He never loses the ball.”
Although I was loath to tell him that Romario hadn’t made it onto our team, Sergi was more than happy to tell me about one man who’s long been touted as being Barcelona’s next, and dream, signing.
“Xavi is nearing the end of his journey and in one or two years Cesc Fabregas can step into his position. He has a difficult decision. He is everything to Arsenal, more than just their captain. But he belongs in Barcelona. He was born here, grew up with us and it’s a part of him.”
Sergi’s use of the word ‘us’ is noticeable. It seems to be the Barcelona way that once you’re a Catalan, you’re always a Catalan. Fabregas, amongst others, can testify to that.
Sergi spent the final three years of his career in Madrid – not with arch-rivals Real, but with their arch-rivals Atletico, because any team that dislikes Real Madrid automatically likes Barcelona, and vice versa, right?
“I still go to the Camp Nou, almost every week,” Sergi says. “Barcelona are a pleasure to watch.” Indeed it would be difficult not to take yourself to every Barcelona match these days, such is the talent running through the squad.
An extra-time defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey final was all that stood between a second treble in three seasons for Pep Guardiola’s side, and Sergi Believes that Madrid will be a bigger threat this season. “I think Madrid are on the same level as Barcelona now, but they have a completely different way of playing the game. Both sides are extremely strong, probably the two best in Europe, and this season will be very exciting.”
