“I thought that it was going to be different” - Vitor Roque opens up on ‘complicated’ time at Barcelona, battle with mental health

Barcelona youngster Vitor Roque has spoken about his spell at the Catalan club after moving to fellow La Liga side Real Betis on loan. The Brazilian failed to establish himself at Camp Nou despite arriving amidst great hype.

Roque reportedly cost Barcelona around €35 million when he moved from Atletico Paranaense in 2023 and completed his transfer in January 2024. Upon his arrival in Spain, he began to play with Barca's first team but failed to make a huge impression. The 19-year-old scored two goals in 14 league appearances and couldn't impress Xavi and his successor Hansi Flick.

Barcelona decided to loan out Roque this summer despite his agent saying the teenager wasn't interested in a temporary move. But he joined Real Betis on a season-long loan deal.

Vitor Roque, presently with the Brazil U-20 team, told the Brazilian media about his time at Barcelona. He spoke about how complicated things were at the club, revealing that he did not get the opportunities he thought he would.

"It was complicated in general. I thought it was going to be different. I had some opportunities, but not in the way I thought. I have a clear head. Now I am focused on Betis and thanking God for the opportunity to wear the national team shirt again," Roque said (via Mundo Deportivo).

The striker also spoke about his mental health struggles and how he had the support of his therapist all through his ordeal.

"I always went to therapy, I always had a mental coach. He has always helped me, since I was 16 I also went through some obstacles. He always helped me. Today I try to do the same, he has helped me a lot to overcome several obstacles. Being in Europe is very difficult. I left very young and immediately went to a big club," Roque continued.

"Sometimes you don't see what's inside, the way people treat each other. Sometimes my head doesn't feel right, I try to work on my psychology as much as possible. But sometimes it's difficult, it's tough. Sometimes the journalists themselves don't understand, they just talk about it from the field. If it's not right, they'll judge it and they won't see everything that's behind it. But now I have a calm mind, that's the most important thing," he added.

Roque was courted by several teams when it became apparent he was not in Hansi Flick's plans at Barcelona. Sporting Lisbon made an offer to sign him permanently, while several European clubs tried to rope him in on loan. The youngster chose Real Betis, who have an option to extend his loan deal by a further season. They also have the option to buy him permanently.

Barcelona eyeing free transfer for Bundesliga star - Reports

Barcelona are looking at the possibility of signing Bayern Munich ace Joshua Kimmich on a free transfer in the summer of 2025, as per Mundo Deportivo. The versatile German international has been a long-time target of the Spanish giants, who are still searching for Sergio Busquets' replacement.

Now 29, Kimmich is adept at playing in defensive midfield and also at right-back, making him a versatile addition to any squad. He will see his contract with Bayern Munich end in the summer of 2025.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have been linked with Kimmich as well. He can sign a pre-contract agreement in January if he does not pen a new deal at Bayern.