Sergi Roberto Departs Como After Champions League Qualification

Sergi Roberto confirms the end of his spell at Como, yet predicts strong progress for the club, after announcing on social media that the contract signed in 2024 will not be renewed, even though Como have secured Champions League qualification for the first time with a fourth-place finish in Serie A in 2025-26.

The 34-year-old midfielder joined from Barcelona in 2024 and featured 37 times across all competitions, helping Cesc Fabregas guide Como to that historic league position which made them only the 16th different club from Italy’s top flight to reach the European Cup or Champions League group stage.

While Roberto prepares to move on before that European campaign begins, Como are already shaping a squad for Champions League football, having taken up the option to buy Alvaro Morata after a productive loan last season, and moving towards a deal for defender Kaiki from Cruzeiro, according to reports in Brazil and Italy.

Roberto explained that the transformation he witnessed at Como, from recent promotion to Serie A to a Champions League place, convinced Roberto that the project is on the right track, even if Roberto will not be part of the 2026-27 adventure under Fabregas on the continental stage.

Roberto reflected emotionally on the turning point that came when Como had just climbed from Serie B and were adjusting to the demands of the top division, recalling how the initial target was survival and stability, rather than the Champions League, which made the eventual qualification feel like a distant ambition realised.

“I arrived when the club had just earned promotion to Serie A, full of excitement for a new challenge, Roberto said. Today, I leave with the club having qualified for the Champions League, something that seemed like a dream when the journey began. Looking back, I feel incredibly proud of everything we achieved together. Not only because of the results on the pitch, but because of the people I met along the way. From the very first day, my family and I felt welcomed and loved. Como became our home and these years will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Roberto stressed the human side of the experience, saying that relationships around the club mattered as much as results, describing how Como quickly felt like home for Roberto and Roberto’s family, and suggesting that sense of belonging helped the squad maintain unity across a demanding Serie A campaign.

We have created memories and friendships that will stay with us forever. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone working behind the scenes and all the fans for your support, trust and affection throughout this journey. Como will always be a very important part of my life and my career. I leave with nothing but gratitude and with the certainty that this club has a very bright future ahead. Thank you for everything. Once Lariano, always Lariano. Forza Como!

With Roberto departing but Champions League football secured, Como, Cesc Fabregas and the club’s new signings now carry the responsibility of maintaining momentum in Serie A and Europe, building on Roberto’s contribution while attempting to extend this new period of success for supporters who experienced promotion, consolidation and qualification in quick succession.