A breakdown, tears, and a hug for Flick: Vitor Roque’s final days in Barcelona training

An insight into the extent of the mental struggles to have been endured by Barcelona starlet Vitor Roque prior to his recent departure has on Tuesday been detailed.

The name of frontman Roque, of course, took its place front and centre in the headlines across Spanish football late last week.

This came after confirmation of the Brazilian international’s long-touted Barcelona departure was at last forthcoming.

Roque has linked up with fellow La Liga outfit Real Betis, on a two-year loan deal featuring an option to buy.

As much brought to an end what proved an altogether tumultuous Blaugrana stint for the 19-year-old, who, after being sold something of a dream ahead of his January arrival, was left to live out a nightmare under the watch of Xavi and Hansi Flick alike.

Understandably overwhelmed with his situation, it should in turn not come as a major surprise to hear that, ahead of his exit being announced, Roque’s emotions got the better of him.

During a training session at The Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper last week, the young striker suffered a breakdown.

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo:

‘In the middle of a training session, the forward had to leave in tears because he was at his limit.’

Roque, it is claimed, halted rather suddenly during the session in question, breaking down, before hugging head coach Flick.

Despite the best efforts of his teammates to comfort the Brazilian, Roque was in the end forced to retreat to the dressing room, ‘the definitive sign that he was overwhelmed’ by how his Barcelona stint had played out.

Conor Laird | GSFN