'I feel really sorry for him' - Deco admits sympathy for Barcelona flop who made just 16 first-team appearances for Catalan giants before February exit

Roque joined Barcelona as a hotly-tipped youngster from Athletico Paranaense in 2023, with many expecting the forward to blossom into one of the league's best strikers, learning from the experienced Robert Lewandowski ahead of him. However, after just 16 appearances for the club and an unsuccessful loan at Real Betis, Roque was shown the exit door. The Brazilian admitted that he struggled to settle at the club and even considered quitting football.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Deco said: "I feel really sorry for him. With Vitor, I always think arriving in January didn’t do him any favours. He started well - scored a few goals—but then it became hard to handle the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona.

"If he had arrived this season, things might have gone better for him. With new fitness coaches and a fresh start, maybe he would’ve had more luck. Now he has to rebuild his confidence back at Palmeiras."

La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation had initially attempted to stop the deal for Roque to move to Palmeiras for €25m (£21m/$26m) from going through in February. However, after an intervention from FIFA, he was allowed to depart. He has three goals for the Brazilian side in 19 appearances since the transfer and appears to be more settled out of the Catalan club.

Palmeiras were knocked out of the Club World Cup after a 2-1 defeat by Chelsea, with Roque starting the game up front for the Brazilian side. After their elimination, Palmeiras and Roque will return to domestic football with a game against Mirassol on 16 July.