Vitor Roque certainly expected a better start for his first experience away from his native country. Having arrived in Europe last winter, Timóteo’s nugget, recruited by FC Barcelona for a cheque estimated at 40 million euros, has never had the chance to establish himself in the Catalan jersey. Blocked by the competition, the former Athletico Paranaense player finally left Catalonia this summer. Loaned to Real Betis, he also played his first minutes during his team’s defeat against Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid, scoring twice that evening.
Congratulated by his coach Manuel Pellegrini despite the final result, Roque has since joined the Brazilian U20 team, with whom he played almost the entire match against Mexico in the Seleçao’s 2-1 victory. Questioned after the match, the 1m74 right-hander also returned to his difficult time with the Blaugranas. “It was a bit complicated for me. I had some chances, but not in the way I thought. My mind is clear. Now I’m focused on Betis and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to wear the national team jersey again.”.
Roque now wants to get back on track!
And to add: “I think it was complicated in general. I thought things were going to be different, both in the way I was treated and how I played, and in the way the directors spoke to me. I’m happy to have the opportunity to play at Betis and wear the national team jersey again.”. Marked, Roque will not have left an unforgettable memory to the Catalan supporters. As a reminder and despite two decisive goals scored against Osasuna and Alavés, the Auriverde ended his time with the Culers with a total of 2 goals in 16 games and an average of 20 minutes of play per game… An ordeal that finally ended with this official loan to Real Betis.
Gone are the bad days in Barcelona where he would finish part of training in tears, defeated by the pressure, Roque now intends to explode at the highest level. To do this, the Brazilian striker will have to find optimal condition, both physically and mentally. “I have always been in therapy, with a coach. It has always helped me, since I was 16, when I also went through some obstacles. Today I try to do it too, it has helped me a lot to overcome several obstacles”the Brazilian international (1 selection) admitted on this subject. After the nightmare, time for revenge.
