Vitor Roque reveals he contemplated giving up football & returning to his farm in Brazil amid nightmare spell at Barcelona

Roque, who joined Barcelona in January from Athletico Paranaense for an initial fee of €35 million (£30m/$39m) struggled to find his feet at the Catalan club. During his 16 appearances for Barcelona, where he often came off the bench, Roque managed to score just two goals while veteran forward Robert Lewandowski was consistently preferred as the starting striker.

Roque spoke candidly to ESPN about how his confidence plummeted during his time with the Catalan giants and described how his dream move turned into a nightmare which forced him to think about quitting football.

"Yes. I thought I want to go to the farm there [in Brazil] and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it's difficult... a lot of pressure," he admitted. "But it's just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and things turning out well. Little by little, I am regaining my complete happiness and confidence, too."

Barcelona’s faith in Roque was evident in the €500 million release clause included in his contract, signalling the high expectations placed upon him. However, those expectations weighed heavily on the teenager.

"I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out," he said. "I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive investment in recent years. I wasn't completely ready to resolve the situation or to help the team in the way I wanted, I would have liked to. I would have to have time to adapt, have time to get used to the players, and the club, and it didn't turn out the way I liked. And it serves as a learning experience for the next season."

Currently on a season-long loan at Real Betis, Roque is beginning to rediscover his form and happiness, having already scored five goals in 17 appearances.

"From the first day I stepped foot here at Real Betis, I felt like it was a family," he said. "I'm having my opportunity, I'm trying to do things in the best way and I'm trying to help the club even more."

This Saturday, Roque will have the opportunity to face his parent club, Barcelona, in a league match at home. Despite the challenges he faced with them, he holds no ill will toward the Catalan side but remains eager to prove his mettle on the pitch.

"It's a team that has proven to be one of the best in the world, both in the Champions League and La Liga," he said. "It will certainly be a special match."