Barça: Deco’s strong outing on the treatment reserved for Vitor Roque

Perceived as a nugget in Brazil, Vitor Roque was bought by FC Barcelona in July 2023, before arriving last January from Athletico Paranaense. After six months of ordeal, where Xavi did not really give him a chance, the 19-year-old Brazilian center forward joined Real Betis on loan this season. A departure which obviously does him good. In 14 matches played with the Sevillian club, Roque has already scored five goals. More goals than in his 16 matches with Barça (2). For Mundo Deportivothe sporting director of the Catalan club, Deco, returned to the treatment of the young striker.

“ He’s doing well, he’s scoring goals. Since I have known Barça, I do not remember such a nasty attack against a young player from outside as that of Vitor Roque. This is such an ugly and bad review. I don’t know where it came from, I don’t know if it’s an attack on me or the club, but I don’t think there’s ever been a personal attack on an 18 year old as strong and as ugly. I mean, it’s vicious, he was attacked very violently, without any sense, for any reason. (…) He had a very bad time. What I don’t like is that I think the attacks on Vitor weren’t directed at him and I didn’t like that, the poor boy had nothing to reproach himself for, let him be blamed. He would have signed but the sports director, the coach or the president don’t like him… He suffered a lot. I’m happy for him that he’s playing at Betis, scoring goals and having fun again. He’s a young player who has a lot of potential and who will grow, but I don’t remember an attack like that “, said Deco, who also indicated that his arrival in January – which was not urgent – was a request from Xavi, after Gavi’s injury.