Brazilian star Vitor Roque has shared candid insights into his challenging time at Barcelona, detailing the personal struggles he and his family endured during his brief stint with the Catalan club.
Troubled Six Months at Barcelona
Roque joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023, with the initial plan to integrate him into the team for the 2024/25 preseason. However, due to a string of injuries within the squad, he was brought in earlier than anticipated. Despite the club’s expectations, the former Athletico Paranaense forward struggled to secure a place in the starting lineup, managing only two league starts.
At one point, Barcelona considered offloading him after receiving a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club. However, Roque expressed his desire to remain in Spain and opted for a loan move to Real Betis instead.
Life at Real Betis
Now thriving at Real Betis, Roque conveyed his happiness in Andalusia, stating his desire to extend his stay beyond the current loan agreement. Reflecting on his time at Barcelona, he emphasized the emotional toll it took on him and his family:
“My family and I went through very difficult times, and now they smile with me. I didn’t smile for 6 or 7 months,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m very happy at Betis! I’m smiling again here. I live very well and I would like to keep on playing here.”
Communication Issues with Xavi
Roque has previously criticized Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez for a lack of communication regarding his role within the team. This sentiment was echoed in his recent remarks, as he highlighted the dissatisfaction that stemmed from his experience at the club.
Overall, Vitor Roque’s story serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes can face both on and off the field, as well as the importance of finding a supportive environment to thrive in.