I wanted to quit football to be a FARMER after Barcelona transfer turned into a nightmare
BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he encountered at the Nou Camp.
Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial £30million fee but struggled to impress in Catalonia and that led to a loan move to Real Betis.
The striker only managed a mere two goals in 16 appearances with the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.
The Brazil international has claimed the fee Barcelona paid, plus his whopping €500m (£414m) release clause, led to some significant pressure and anxiety.
So much so, that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace in his farm in Brazil.
However, the talented forward found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.
Roque told ESPN: “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.
“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.
“I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work out. 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.”