Vitor Roque has suggested that he is unlikely to represent Barcelona again, with the forward looking to kickstart his career in Europe with Real Betis.
The 19-year-old arrived at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in January, and he made 16 appearances for the Catalan outfit in the second half of last season, scoring twice in the process.
However, he was not in new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick's plans for the 2024-25 campaign, and Blaugrana sanctioned a departure to Real Betis in the latter stages of the transfer window.
Roque has joined Manuel Pellegrini's side on loan, but there will be the option to sign him on a permanent basis next summer, and the Brazilian has hinted that he will not be returning to Camp Nou.
"It was a bit complicated for me. 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," SPORT quotes Roque as saying.
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Roque called time at Barcelona "a bit complicated"
"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."
Roque made his Real Betis debut as a second-half substitute against Real Madrid last weekend, but he could not prevent the Seville outfit from suffering a 2-0 defeat.
The forward managed 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 appearances for Athletico Paranaense, and he arrived at Barcelona with a reputation as one of the best young talents in Brazil.
"Some situations, also for the player, sometimes it's good," Barcelona boss Flick told reporters after the loan move was confirmed. "I cannot speak about just what I heard, when I spoke with him. He came in a situation it was not easy for him.
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Roque could join Real Betis on a permanent basis next summer
"It's a good chance for him to play, he's doing a lot of things really great. He's a really good guy and fingers are crossed that he's playing really well and improve."
Financial reasons also played a part in Roque leaving over the summer, with the Catalan giants under pressure to remove players from their budget.
Real Betis are said to be paying Roque's full salary during his time at the club, and a successful loan spell is likely to lead to a permanent arrival during next summer's transfer window.
The forward is currently with the Brazil Under-20s squad, and he captained the team to a 2-1 success over Mexico Under-20s in a friendly on Thursday.
Matt Law
