Barcelona boss Xavi has said that he is determined to keep Sergi Roberto at the club for "many years".
The 31-year-old's future is currently the subject of speculation, as he only has a contract with the Catalan giants until the end of June.
A recent report claimed that Roberto had come to an agreement with Barcelona over an extension, but there has not yet been an official statement when it comes to the Spaniard.
Xavi has said that the club's academy product deserves more respect for what he has achieved at Barcelona, having made 336 appearances over the last 13 years.
"I see Sergi Roberto in training, doing well in matches... and yet still he is always criticised. I don't know how. He's a bigger Barca fan than the flag itself," Xavi told reporters following Sunday's 2-0 win over Cadiz.
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"I saw it with [Carlos] Marchena in the national team too. The most unfair criticism that I have ever seen in my career.
"Sergi Roberto is one of the most unfairly criticised players that I have ever seen. He always does well, in whatever position. He's very altruistic, a big Cule, and has an excellent attitude. I want him to renew and stay many years here."
Roberto played the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's victory over Cadiz on Sunday, scoring a goal and providing an assist during an impressive performance.
The Spaniard, who can play at right-back or in central midfield, has now featured on 20 occasions at club level this season, scoring three goals and contributing three assists.
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Addressing his future last month, Roberto told reporters: "There is no news about my future. 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.
"My desire is to be at the club of my life. I was a Cule when I was little and I have always said that I wanted to be here as long as possible.
"I come from a few years in which I have not been able to be 100% due to injuries. Since he arrived I felt the confidence of Xavi.
"When they arrived, it's true that I just had surgery, yes. But I've always felt it. Everything is in place to be able to spend more time here, it's the club of my life. We'll see how the conversations and the season go."
Roberto has helped Barcelona win six La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey trophies and two Champions League crowns during his time in the first team.
Matt Law
