Vitor Roque Opens Up About His Time At Barcelona And Struggle With Mental Health

Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque recently shared insights on his time at the Catalan club before making a temporary move to La Liga counterpart Real Betis. 

Although the Brazilian arrived at Camp Nou amid high expectations, he faced challenges in solidifying his place within the team, leading to his loan transfer to Real Betis.

The 19-year-old scored two goals in 14 league appearances

Barcelona signed Roque for €35 million in 2023, and the transfer was finalized in January 2024. Despite scoring two goals in 14 league appearances, he failed to impress Xavi and Hansi Flick, and he did not have a significant influence at Barcelona.

This summer, Barcelona chose to loan out Roque, even though the teenager’s representation claimed he had no interest in making a temporary move. However, he signed a season-long loan agreement with Real Betis.

Vitor Roque spoke to the Brazilian media about his experience at Barcelona while he was still on the Brazil U-20 team. He talked about how difficult things were at the club and disclosed that he was not given the opportunities he had anticipated.

Roque said “It was complicated in general. I thought it was going to be different. I had some opportunities, but not in the way I thought. I have a clear head. Now I am focused on Betis and thanking God for the opportunity to wear the national team shirt again,”

“I always went to therapy”

He also shared insights about his mental struggles, he said “I always went to therapy, I always had a mental coach. He has always helped me, since I was 16 I also went through some obstacles. He always helped me. Today I try to do the same, he has helped me a lot to overcome several obstacles. Being in Europe is very difficult. I left very young and immediately went to a big club,”

“Sometimes you don’t see what’s inside, the way people treat each other. Sometimes my head doesn’t feel right, I try to work on my psychology as much as possible. But sometimes it’s difficult, it’s tough. Sometimes the journalists themselves don’t understand, they just talk about it from the field. If it’s not right, they’ll judge it and they won’t see everything that’s behind it. But now I have a calm mind, that’s the most important thing,” he added.

Roque was approached by several teams, including Sporting Lisbon, Real Betis, and several European clubs, after it became clear he wasn’t in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona plans. Real Betis offered to sign him permanently, extend his loan deal by a further season, and potentially buy him permanently.

Barcelona are looking to sign Joshua Kimmich 

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is considering the potential of signing Joshua Kimmich, the star player for Bayern Munich, on a free transfer in the summer of 2025. The Spanish powerhouses have long been interested in the adaptable German international, as they are still looking to replace Sergio Busquets.

Kimmich is a versatile addition to any team because he can play both right-back and defensive midfield. In the summer of 2025, his contract with Bayern Munich will expire.

Real Madrid and Manchester City have also been connected to Kimmich. If he decides not to sign a new contract with Bayern in January, he may sign a pre-contract agreement.

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