It has been a tough few weeks for Vitor Roque as rumors emerge regarding the FC Barcelona star’s future. Roque, who arrived at the club earlier this year, was heralded as one of the best young talents in Brazilian soccer. Despite a promising start to his life in Spain, Roque has been rarely handed minutes by manager Xavi Hernandez.
Most recently, Vitor Roque’s agent Andre Curry blamed Xavi Hernandez for not giving minutes to the forward. After a rather bombshell interview, it was expected that Roque would make an appearance during FC Barcelona’s league clash against Real Sociedad on Monday. However, as it has been in these last few months, Roque finished the game sitting on the bench.
🔵🔴🇧🇷 Xavi on Vitor Roque: “Vitor was in doubt until the last minute because yesterday he suffered a very strong blow to his ankle…”.
❗️ “About his future, it will be seen at the end of the season. I don’t have to talk now”. pic.twitter.com/OPBRjV0lMJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2024
After the game, Xavi did clarify his decision on why he refused to bring on the Brazilian star. Xavi said, via Fabrizio Romano, “Vitor was in doubt until the last minute because yesterday he suffered a very strong blow to his ankle.” However, Xavi refused to give any further clarity regarding Roque’s future, saying “I don’t have to talk now.”. He simply said that Roque’s future, if any, at the club will be decided at the end of this season.
Similar to Xavi, FC Barcelona sporting director Deco adopted a similar stance on questions regarding Roque’s future before the game against Sociedad. Deco said, “It’s normal… when there’s no football, that there are news in the media.” The Portuguese former international refrained from giving any further information and stated that the decision will be taken by the concerned authorities behind closed doors.
Vitor Roque’s agent has given an ultimatum to FC Barcelona
While Xavi Hernandez and Deco continue to evade questions regarding Vitor Roque’s future, the player’s agent Andre Curry has issued a warning to the Catalan club. Curry rebuked Xavi for failing to give Roque any minutes and also criticized the FC Barcelona manager for intentionally ignoring the forward. Curry said, “Xavi does NOT even talk to the boy.”
🚨🇧🇷 Vitor Roque’s agent Cury: “He will not leave on loan. If he leaves, it will be on permanent transfer”.
“No one understands why Xavi doesn’t play him and doesn’t even speak to Vitor, it’s not right”.
“We will discuss his future with Barça soon”, told RAC1. pic.twitter.com/UKKX5DN1zL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2024
He further added that if FC Barcelona continued to treat Roque in a similar way, the player would look for an exit from the club. However, Curry firmly added that if Roque does end up leaving the club, it will be a permanent transfer and not a loan move. However, both Curry and Roque continue to maintain that the Brazilian international intends to succeed at FC Barcelona.
FC Barcelona fans expressed their support for Vitor Roque against Real Sociedad
Meanwhile, the FC Barcelona supporters didn’t shy away from expressing their support for Vitor Roque during their side’s La Liga clash against Real Sociedad. As FC Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad courtesy of goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, the fans at the Montjuic Stadium were heard chanting Vitor Roque’s name.
The Barcelona fans are showing their support for Vitor Roque by chanting his name.
But of course Ferran Torres ends up being the one subbed on for Lewandowski instead of him. pic.twitter.com/S5KjVifBah
— Ginga Bonito 🇧🇷 (@GingaBonitoHub) May 13, 2024
While the cameras caught the 19-year-old sitting on the bench with a forlorn look on his face, the heartwarming gesture from the fans would have surely done some good for Roque. With three games remaining for FC Barcelona this season, the fans would surely hope to see Roque in the Blaugrana colors once again before the Brazilian’s alleged departure from the club.