Sergi Roberto: Honestly, I thought I would go to the World Cup, but I saw it on television LaLiga - Barcelona With Luis Enrique as coach, he expects a call

Ahead of Barcelona's International Champions Cup game against Roma, Sergi Roberto lamented the fact that he had to watch the World Cup on television, rather than being called up to participate.

It's a blow that could be softened by Luis Enrique's appointment, but national team matters need to be parked until the next break in club matches.

"I sincerely thought that I would go to the World Cup," he said to reporters.

"But the coach decided on other players, and I had no choice but to watch the tournament on television."

"For me Luis Enrique was very important, he was the one who gave me my Barcelona B debut and the one who picked me regularly in the first team.

"If I get back into the national team it will be very good."

Roberto has been training with Barcelona since the very beginning of pre-season on July 11 as a result, and he's enjoying watching the youngsters coming through, as he himself once did.

"Seeing the kids with the first team brings back memories," he continued.

"They are doing a great job, I hope they continue to help us throughout the season.

"Riqui Puig has been great in training and the other day he played a really good game against Tottenham.

"If he keeps working like that, I'm sure his chance will come."

It appears that Ernesto Valverde is still looking for another midfielder, which may mean that Roberto is played in a right-back position on occasions again during the new season.

"The market is always open, and I don't decide which positions they sign players for," he added.

"I have always said that I will play where they tell me, I am open to anything to help the team."

"I've not talked to the coach, but I played in midfield in the last preseason and started the campaign in midfield, but then settled on the right side."