Vitor Roque’s career in Brazil came to an end yesterday. The 18-year-old striker said goodbye to his country after only three seasons as a professional and will soon head to Barcelona, ??where he will not be able to make his debut until January after signing a contract for eight seasons (until June 30, 2031) and a termination clause of 500 million euros. Athletico Paranaense confirmed this Saturday that the attacker would play his last game with the club this Sunday in Curitiba.
Cruceiro and Athletico Paranaense have been, after his training period at América Mineiro, his teams in Brazil. In the first he could only play in the second division and only played 14 games. With Paranaense, already in Serie A, he became a true star of the competition. In his two seasons in the city of Curitiba, the forward became known for his extraordinary talent and his ability in front of the rival goal. In 80 games he scored 28 goals and gave 10 assists and caught the attention of many teams in Europe, although it was Barça that came forward to be able to acquire his services.
In addition, all the spotlights were on him at the beginning of this year with the South American under-20 championship. As a forward and key player in the Brazilian team, he contributed to Canarinha winning the tournament and the new Barça player became the top scorer of the tournament with six goals.
The Joaquim Américo Guimarães stadium or Arena da Baixada said goodbye to its idol in a match against Santos in which the striker was once again the offensive reference and although he could not find the goal he did cause two yellow cards.
While Roque said goodbye to his team on the field, Deco, Barça’s sporting director confirmed that his arrival will be imminent. “With Gavi’s injury, with the coach (Xavi Hernández) we have decided that the best thing for the team is the immediate incorporation of Vitor Roque,” the Barça executive said in statements to Movistar LaLiga. Deco pointed out that Roque “will be one more” and assured that he “will have minutes and will help the team” in the second part of the season.
