“I thought I want to go to the farm there” - Brazilian forward opens up on struggles during Barcelona stint and desire to return home
Brazilian striker Vitor Roque recently spoke about the struggles he endured after his arrival at Spanish giants Barcelona earlier this year. The youngster is on loan at LaLiga outfit Real Betis after failing to make his mark in the colours of La Blaugrana.
Many of Europe's heavy-hitters were alerted to the emergence of a prodigy, who had been likened to Ronaldo Dè Lima in Brazil. The youngster was making waves for Atletico Paranaense in Brazil's top-flight, and Barcelona snapped him up reportedly for over €30 million in 2023.
Roque was meant to move to Spain in the summer of 2024, but his arrival was accelerated by six months following Gavi's ACL injury.
Vitor Roque joined Xavi's side for the second half of the 2023-24 season but managed just two goals in 16 appearances for the club. The 19-year-old appeared not to be in the plans of manager Hansi Flick this summer, leading to a great deal of uncertainty about his future.
The one-cap Brazil international revealed via ESPN that he thought of returning to his farm in Brazil and leaving football behind due to the struggles.
"Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil) and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it's difficult."
Roque saw his jersey number taken from him and handed to teenage star Lamine Yamal at the start of the 2024-25 season. After a period of uncertainty, he ended up at Real Betis, where he has scored five goals in 18 appearances on loan.
Barcelona signed Pau Victor from Girona in the summer to serve as back-up to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski this season. Roque's deal with Real Betis includes an option-to-buy, meaning that the Seville-based club may sign him permanently.
Barcelona prepared to sanction permanent exits for duo - Reports
Barcelona are prepared to sanction the sales of Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia in 2025 over a lack of regular playing time at the club. The Spanish giants currently sit atop the LaLiga standings, four points clear of rivals Real Madrid, who have played a game less.
A report from SPORT indicates that La Blaugrana are prepared for the duo to leave the club after Hansi Flick informed them that he cannot guarantee them minutes. Fati has played a total of 158 minutes this season, while Garcia has managed 456 minutes for La Blaugrana.
Academy graduates Fati and Garcia did not partake in the full pre-season under Hansi Flick due to different reasons in the summer. Fati suffered an injury at the start of pre-season, while Garcia was part of the Spain U-23 side that won gold in the 2024 Olympics.