Betis’ new signing, striker Vitor Roque He once again wore the Brazilian U-20 team shirt in the 2-1 victory over Mexico, last Thursday (6), in a friendly match played in São Januário.
The duel against the Mexicans served as preparation for the South American Under-20 Championship, which will be held in January, in Peru, and will be worth four places in the World Cup in this category. In an interview after the game, Vitor Roque admitted frustration with his time at Barcelona.
“It was a little complicated for me. I had some opportunities, but not in the way I thought it would be. I have a clear head,” he said in an interview with ge.
“I thought it would be different, both in the treatment, in the way I played, and with the board talking to me. But it passed, I’m happy to have the opportunity at Betis and to be wearing the national team shirt again,” continued the player, who was loaned by Barça to Betis this season.
Signed by Barça from Athletico with high expectations, Vitor Roque had a complicated relationship with former coach Xavi Hernández and ended up having few opportunities.
A scenario that did not change with the arrival of the German Hansi Flick in Catalonia and ended up culminating in the Brazilian’s departure from Camp Nou.
Vitor Roque reveals therapy and behind the scenes at Barcelona
The difficult period faced in the first European experience, by the way, had the help of psychological support.
“I’ve always had therapy, I’ve always had a mental coach. It’s always helped me, since I was 16, when I went through some obstacles too,” Roque revealed. “Today I try to do it too, it’s helped me a lot when I went through several obstacles,” he reinforced.
Vitor Roque also revealed behind the scenes details of his troubled time at Barça. “It’s very difficult. I left very young and went straight to a big club. Sometimes you don’t see what’s inside, the way people treat you,” he revealed.
“Sometimes my head isn’t in the right place, I try to work on my mental health as much as possible. But sometimes it’s difficult, it’s tough. Sometimes the journalists themselves don’t understand, they only harp on the subject on the pitch. If things aren’t going well, they’ll always judge, and they don’t see the surroundings because of that,” he added.
Vitor Roque values return to the national team and minimizes “rivalry” with Endrick
The former Athletico striker also valued his return to the national team. The player, who had already been called up to the main team, was left out of coach Dorival Júnior’s lists, but was called up again for the U-20 team, Ramon Menezes.
“I’m very happy. It’s always a pleasure to wear the national team’s shirt, regardless of whether it’s for the Under-20s or the main team,” said Vitor Roque.
“Of course everyone’s dream is to be in the main team, but it’s the process. And I’ve always respected the process. It’s always a pleasure to be here and I’m happy to have the opportunity to wear the national team’s shirt,” he continued.
Finally, the player commented on the constant comparisons involving Endrick, Real Madrid’s new signing.
“Brazilian fans always try to create a rivalry between me, Endrick, and now Estêvão… But I always stay calm. He’s a guy I always talk to after games. I’m happy he’s growing, he’s in the national team,” he concluded.