In a recent interview with ESPN (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Vitor Roque has opened up about the personal struggles he faced during his transition to FC Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.
The 19-year-old striker arrived at the Catalan club in the winter transfer window last January to strengthen the squad, but failed to settle in and did not earn significant playing time.
Having struggled to adapt under former manager Xavi Hernandez, Roque ultimately decided to join Real Betis on loan during the summer, with the approval of Hansi Flick.
Roque discusses Barcelona pressure
During the interview, Vitor Roque admitted that his time at Barcelona was difficult, especially after the club paid €30 million plus an additional €31 million in performance-related variables for his signing.
“The price that was paid for me created pressure. It was a very high investment in recent years, and I was not completely ready to help the team in the way I wanted,” he said.
Roque further explained that he needed more time to adjust to the new club and the surroundings, saying:
“I would have liked to have more time to get used to the players and the club, but things did not go as I would have liked… And that serves as a learning experience for me.”
Roque joined Real Betis on loan from Barcelona in the summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The Brazilian forward confessed that he even experienced anxiety during his time at the Catalan outfit.
“I arrived in Barcelona very happy to fulfil a childhood dream, which was always to be there, to live those Champions League moments, to wear that shirt, but I had a lot of anxiety about making things go well,” he remarked.
“I went through a very difficult time at Barcelona. When you are not happy and do not have confidence, things do not go well.”
The situation became so overwhelming that Vitor Roque admitted he considered returning to Brazil.
“Yes, I thought about going back to the farm in Brazil to be calm, to be alone, because sometimes it is all very difficult. There is a lot of pressure.”
However, he reassured himself by thinking, “You have to keep going, stay mentally strong, and keep working with a lot of humility so that things go well.”
Vitor Roque, who is doing well at Real Betis on loan, admitted that comparing his situation with Vinicius Jr.’s early days at Real Madrid also helped him through difficult moments.
“Sometimes my agents use Vinicius as an example of persistence and fighting. He did not have an easy life when he arrived, and today he is reaping the rewards. I am very happy for him because he deserves this great moment,” he said.