Vitor Roque takes shots at Xavi – “At Barcelona I learned a lot about the good things and the bad things”
Xavi Hernandez
Real Betis forward Vitor Roque has arrived in Seville carrying the weight of a challenging six months at Barcelona, which he is gradually overcoming. He appears to be adapting well at the Benito Villamarin.
Read full articleAfter facing significant criticism during his time in Catalonia, Roque is eager to move on from that chapter.
He stated, “I don’t pay much attention to what’s said about Barcelona. My focus is on Betis, where I feel happy, and I don’t dwell on external opinions. Information finds its way to me.”
The young player acknowledged the difficulties he faced, noting, “Despite my age, I’ve experienced tough times in football, but I view them as learning opportunities. My time at Barcelona taught me valuable lessons, both positive and negative. Now, I’m content at Betis, though it’s challenging to meet expectations after such a significant transfer fee, especially without support.”
Roque expressed satisfaction with his four goals so far but believes he can improve further, particularly in managing his pace when receiving the ball. He had the option to join Sporting CP this summer but chose Betis due to the appealing sporting project and its benefits for his family.
“The two offers came simultaneously, but I felt a stronger connection to Betis because of their vision for me. I wanted to stay in Spain, and Barcelona facilitated my move. My focus is solely on Betis, and I aspire to win a title here.”
The 19-year-old made a €30 million transfer to Barcelona, with an additional €31 million in potential bonuses for Athletico Paranaense in January, but struggled to make a significant impact.
His comments may be interpreted as a critique of former manager Xavi Hernandez. While several young players have thrived at Barcelona, transitioning from abroad presents unique challenges compared to those coming from the academy or Barca Atletic.
