Vitor Roque reveals he almost quit football to become a farmer

Vitor Roque came close to quitting football altogether due to the intense pressure surrounding his high-profile move to Barcelona. At one point, the 19-year-old reportedly contemplated abandoning the game entirely to return to Brazil and live a quieter life as a farmer.
"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 told ESPN. "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," he continued.
Despite this challenging period, Roque has begun rediscovering his passion for the sport during his loan spell at Real Betis. The change of scenery has allowed him to find his rhythm, contributing to key performances and regaining confidence in a more relaxed environment.
"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," the Brazilian added.
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has played a significant role in the forward's adaptation, providing consistent opportunities and guidance. Roque is now showing glimpses of the talent that made him one of the most exciting prospects in South America, proving he has the resilience to overcome challenges and continue his development.