Barcelona legend not convinced by the club’s decision to part ways with two players

Over the past couple of days, FC Barcelona have finalised the departures of two first-team stars in Ilkay Gundogan and Vitor Roque.

Gundogan, 33, is all set to join his former club Manchester City, on a free transfer just a year after he made the move to Catalonia.

Meanwhile, Vitor Roque is headed to Real Betis on a loan deal that could last one year or even two years, with the final details being worked out.

Barcelona forced Gundogan out due to their inability to register new signing Dani Olmo while Roque is being offloaded as he has failed to convince those at the club even though he was a personal bet of director Deco.

Rivaldo: Barcelona will miss Gundogan

Barcelona’s decision to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan and Vitor Roque has not entirely convinced former star and club legend Rivaldo.

Indeed, during a chat with Betfair (h/t AS), the former Ballon d’Or winner stated that the Blaugrana will miss Gundogan, who was one of the team’s best players last season.

“If it is confirmed, Barça are going to miss him a lot,” said Rivaldo.

Rivaldo not pleased by the impending exits of Gundogan, Roque. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for FIFA)

“He is a great player. With his signing, the one who will certainly win is Manchester City. In my opinion, he should stay at Barcelona. He is needed to help the team be strong in the competitions they will play, both in Spain and Europe. Gundogan is a great player.”

Barcelona ‘hasty’ in sanctioning Roque’s exit says Rivaldo

Speaking on the situation of his compatriot Vitor Roque, Rivaldo added that Barcelona had been very hasty in accepting his exit. However, he did remark that the youngster has what it takes to come back stronger from his loan spell at Betis.

“Vitor is going to a great club. It’s a great team to play for. I think it will be easier for him to compete in a league like the Spanish league, where he will show that he is a great player. Being in the same league as Barça will help him,” he remarked.

“He’s going to show that the team has been too hasty in accepting his departure and letting him go this season. He has everything to make his time at Betis a success, with minutes and the support of a great fanbase,’ predicted the former Barcelona legend.”