A once-iconic member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has this week moved to provide his backing to Blaugrana youngster Vitor Roque.
As much, of course, comes amid what has proven a turbulent 24 hours for Roque in Catalunya’s capital.
Amid his client’s ongoing struggles for game-time in Barcelona’s colours, Roque’s agent made use of an interview with RAC1 to take firm aim at the Blaugrana, head coach Xavi, and more.
This comes amid claims that the 19-year-old is becoming increasingly impatient with his situation in Spain, having been afforded just 300 minutes of competitive action since his January arrival from Athletico Paranaense.
The reaction to Andre Cury’s comments has since proven to be something of a mixed one, some of the opinion that he was overly dramatic in pointing towards a potential Barca departure for Roque, whilst others feel as though the time was right for Xavi’s treatment of the hitman to be called out.
And one who appears to be leaning towards the latter line of thinking comes in the form of Blaugrana legend Rivaldo.
Speaking as part of his role as Betfair ambassador on Monday, ex-striker Rivaldo was drawn on the situation facing his fellow countryman at his former club.
And, in quotes gathered by Diario Sport, the 52-year-old went on to reveal his take that Roque has not been afforded sufficient chances to showcase his talents:
“I think Vitor Roque has lacked opportunities. They have given very few minutes to a player who has stood out in the Brazilian championship. He is very young and has not had the necessary opportunities to show his football.
“Sometimes this happens. He has not had opportunities and now they believe that the player will not be useful for the club, so they will look for a transfer. I think Barcelona didn’t know how to give him more opportunities and he is a good player, he has a future. From the outside I don’t know exactly what happened and I don’t know what his day-to-day life is like in training to see if he deserved a chance. But we know what he did with Athletico Paranaense and in the Brazilian Championship. I don’t know if it was a lack of opportunities or if he didn’t show it in Barcelona training and that’s why he didn’t have the opportunity.”
Conor Laird | GSFN
