Sergi Roberto grateful to Gerardo Martino

Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto has thanked boss Gerardo Martino for handing him the chance to impress at the Camp Nou this season.

It has been a breakthrough campaign for Roberto thus far, with the Spaniard featuring in each of the last 12 matches for the Catalan outfit.

"Tata Martino is very important for me; he is always telling me that he has faith in me, that I am a good player and maybe he hasn't given me the opportunities I deserve," he told reporters at a press conference.

"I have never given up hope, I have kept working, I've been handed chances to play and I hope to repay him by playing well and helping out the team."

The 21-year-old has been with Barcelona since 2006.