SERGIO BUSQUETS admits Tuesday nights shock Champions League exit at the hands of Roma was the worst moment of his Barcelona career.
The ace returned from a broken foot to anchor Ernesto Valverdes midfield at the Stadio Olimpico.
Barcelona dominated proceedings in the first leg of the quarter-final clash, emerging as 4-1 winners at the Nou Camp.
But a lethargic performance against a tenacious Roma side saw the Italians run out as 3-0 victors, sending them through to the Champions League semis on goal difference.
Nobody had been expecting the result, which will go down as one of the greatest comebacks in the competition.
And when asked if it ranked as the worst experience of his professional career, Busquets conceded: Yes, probably yes.
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We came from a very positive dynamic this season and today, sadly, everything has been cut short.
We still have to go for all the titles, it wouldnt be a bad season, but it will be conditioned by what we did here today in Rome.
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Captain Andres Iniesta was close to tears at the final whistle after admitting the thrashing could be his last-ever Champions League game for Barcelona.
He said: This is a painful defeat because we didnt expect it because of the advantage we had.
Its a possibility [its my last game] but its not the day to send messages, we are all hurt.
Its not a question of asking forgiveness, things for you or they dont, but the need to win is always the same. We will give our best for the two competitions that remain.
Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde claimed Roma were just too good on the night, adding: We couldnt play our game, they were very aggressive.
We werent capable of getting back into the game any moment because of how well they played. They were very strong at getting to the second ball and we arent used to defending like that.
They were aggressive and took the game where they wanted it. The coach is the one who has to take responsibility, as the visible head of the team, and that is what it is.