“I joked with the players that I laughed more this week than in the past 6 months” - Vitor Roque on goal for Brazil U20s after leaving Barcelona
Barcelona forward Vitor Roque, who is on loan with Real Betis, spoke out about the tumultuous time he went through in the last six months. The Brazilian claimed that this weekend was the first time he actually enjoyed himself this year.
The 19-year-old took to the field against Mexico with the Brazil U20s on Sunday, September 8. He scored twice for the U20s and could have had a hat-trick but missed a one-on-one chance in the second half.
In the post-match interview, Vitor Roque admitted to his teammates that a return to competitive football with the Brazil U20s brought him more joy than the past six months at Camp Nou.
"It was 6 or 7 months that I wasn’t so happy! I can’t hide the smile right? I’m happy. Happy for the goal [with Brazil], the win, the training. I joked with the players that I laughed more this week than in the past 6 months," he said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Barcelona signed the forward in January this year from Athletic Paranaense. The 19-year-old was touted to be one for the future that could make an impact in the present, but found himself out of favour a few weeks into his Barcelona career by then coach Xavi Hernandez.
Vitor Roque speaks out about his time at Barcelona
Roque played just 16 times for the Catalan Club with just two starts. Despite the limited gametime under Xavi, he contributed with two goals.
A change in manager didn't bring with it a change in Roque's fortunes at the club. After spending pre-season under Hansi Flick, the Brazilian was sent on loan to Real Betis, who have the option to extend his stay to two years.
His stint at Barcelona could come to a premature close with the agreement also including an option to buy.
After making the move to Betis, Roque said (via Barca Universal):
"It was a bit complicated for me. I had some opportunities, but not the way I had imagined. I think it was complicated in general. I thought it was going to be different, both in the treatment and in the way of playing, as well as in the way the board spoke to me."
Vitor Roque made his Real Betis debut when he came off the bench in their 2-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. He will be hoping he can translate his goal-scoring run with Brazil U20s to domestic football when the La Liga action resumes with Betis set to face Leganes on Friday, September 13.