Barcelona outcast breaks silence on his ‘complicated’ tenure: “Treatment was different”

Vitor Roque, the young Brazilian forward on loan from Barcelona to Real Betis, has shared his reflections on the challenging time he spent with the Blaugrana. He believes he did not get enough chances to showcase his abilities during his first stint with the club. 

Roque’s first eight months at Barcelona were far from the dream he envisioned when he made the leap to European football. His time with the Catalan giants did not go as expected, leaving him feeling disappointed with how things unfolded.

Now, with his loan move to Real Betis confirmed, Roque is looking ahead to a fresh start in Spain, away from the intense scrutiny of Barcelona. 

Just a week ago, he made his debut for Betis against Real Madrid where he managed to impress his new coach, Manuel Pellegrini, despite the team’s defeat. 

Roque is grateful to Betis

Roque is now enjoying football again, having recently played for Brazil’s under-20 national team in a 2-1 victory over Mexico. This break from club football has given him time to reflect on his experience at Barcelona.

Speaking to the media after Brazil’s match, Roque opened up about his time at Barcelona. “It was a bit complicated for me,” he admitted as quoted by SPORT. 

“I had some opportunities, but not the way I had imagined. My mind is clear now, and I’m focused on Betis and grateful for the chance to wear the national team shirt again.” 

Treatment from Xavi and the board

Vitor Roque feels let down by Barcelona. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Roque’s words reflect a sense of closure over his time at Barcelona, but he also hinted at feeling let down by the club’s leadership and the opportunities given to him by manager Xavi.

“I think it was complicated in general. I thought it was going to be different, both in the treatment and in the way of playing, as well as in the way the board spoke to me. 

“But that’s over now, I’m happy to have the opportunity at Betis and to wear the national team shirt again.”

Roque also touched on the unfairness of his situation. His progress at Barcelona was cut short after an unjust expulsion in one of the matches. 

From that point, his playing time became limited, and he ended the season with just 2 goals in 16 appearances, averaging only 20 minutes per game. All this happened during a turbulent time for Barcelona, as they struggled in various competitions.

Roque sought therapy

Despite the difficulties, Roque is determined to move forward. He no longer dwells on the tough days he experienced in Barcelona, where he often found himself in tears after training sessions, overwhelmed by the pressure. 

Now at Betis, the young striker feels more positive. He also revealed that he has sought therapy to cope with these challenges, a practice he has followed since he was 16. 

“I’ve always been in therapy with a coach who has helped me through difficult moments. It’s been a big help in overcoming many obstacles.”

With a new chapter ahead of him at Betis, Roque is ready to put the past behind him and focus on the opportunities that lie ahead.