FC Barcelona were able to sign one of the hottest rising talents in the world of football this summer as they signed the 18-year-old striker Vitor Roque. The Catalans have already bound the Brazilian in a contract that goes on till 2031, paying €30 million in fixed and another €31 million in variables for him.
There were several sides interested in signing Roque, but the player himself wanted to play at Barcelona, and his agent, Andre Cury, also helped him fulfill his dream of playing at the Catalan club.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, this agent spoke to the media recently and highlighted different aspects related to Roque and his move to Barcelona.
Cury on Roque’s injury and recovery
Regarding his injury, Cury revealed that the player is recovering really well and can be back ahead of the expected schedule:
“They were talking about a three-month injury, but we believe that he could be back in two months or even a little earlier. It’s an ankle ligament injury, but the doctor explained to us that there shouldn’t be any issues beyond the need for rest to return in good condition.”
“[Vitor Roque] will be playing for Barça in January. We’re even hopeful that he might return to play on the 10th or 15th of November in the Brazilian championship to help his team secure a spot in the next Copa Libertadores.”
Cury went on to explain that Roque could join Barcelona in January but would be ready to play for the Catalans are soon as he joined their squad:
“His injury was a real scare, but after thorough medical examinations, it’s an injury that heals without surgery and with time. The main plan from the beginning is for him to join Barcelona on January 1st, and his significant advantage is that if he arrives on a Friday, he can already play on Sunday because he has a tremendous mindset.”
Cury went on to share that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on his recovery:
“FC Barcelona has all the medical reports because its sporting director, Deco, is very involved in this matter, an issue that both clubs are handling together.”
Incorporation at Barcelona
It is not yet certain that Barcelona will be able to get Roque in the winter because their current situation regarding FFP is not good enough to register him with La Liga. However, Cury did not want any third club to get involved if Barcelona were unable to get their affairs in order by January:
“The truth is, I don’t know how the ‘fair play’ situation stands, but a joint decision will have to be made in which the player has a say… going out on loan mid-season wouldn’t be a good ‘deal’ for either Barcelona or the player. As a last resort, staying at Athletico Paranaense would be the best option because sending him on loan to a club that has no responsibility for the player would be an unnecessary risk.”
Lastly, Roque spoke very highly of his client and was very confident that Barcelona would not mind paying millions for him when they saw his quality:
“Roque is very prepared to join Barcelona, very powerfully, and do whatever Xavi asks of him. I know they’ve talked, but I don’t know about what. I do know that Barcelona will happily pay the millions because Roque will deliver on all fronts.
Vitor has some of the power and movements of Ronaldo Nazario; he fights for every ball, is highly competitive, and contributes to the defensive side, but his best quality is his goal-scoring ability. His mindset is incredibly strong, and that’s why I say that if he arrives on a Friday, he plays that same Sunday.”