'Barça was my only option' says Vitor Roque

It's 10ºC in Barcelona, by no means the coldest place on the planet right now, but still much chillier than the 30ºC he was enjoying in Brazil until this week. But that hasn't wiped the smile off Vitor Roque's face as he settles into his new surroundings. And his first official interview since arriving in Europe was with FC Barcelona's own media...

Welcome to Barcelona, Vitor. How have the last few months been since your move to Barça was made official?

"First of all, thank you very much for the welcome. I am honestly very happy with everything that's happened in my life. I am coming here very much looking forward to doing things, learning and enjoying myself. I've been preparing for this with my personal coach. Every day we've been speaking to make sure I arrive in Barcelona in perfect condition."

You have just played at the South American U20 Championship and made your senior debut for Brazil. With the move to Barça as well, it's been a fantastic 2023, hasn't it?

"Well, yes. It's a dream come true. Like I say, I'm very happy with everything that's happening at this moment in my life."

What challenges have you set from now?

"I'm looking forward to doing things well and winning as much as possible at Barça. I hope to learn and enjoying playing with the best players in the world."

Is there anyone you're especially excited about playing with?

"Yes, of course. They're all very good, but I can't wait to play with Lewandowski. And with Raphinha too, of course. That'll be a dream come true."

What's Raphinha told you about Barça?

"Only wonderful things. That Barça is a fantastic club, perfect club, where it is easy to learn and work. But also that here the only things that matter are winning, winning and winning."

Have you spoken to Xavi? What's he said to you?

"Nothing specific, to be honest. But before I joined Barça, I spoke with both Xavi and Deco, and not just as coaches, but also as friends. They were always ready to help with everything and I am very grateful for their faith in me."

You must be looking forward to training...

"Yes, a lot. I can't wait."

Could you feel the fans' support?

“Yes, a lot. When I was in Brazil I got it on social networks, but here in Barcelona I've seen young kids running behind the car. I'm very pleased with the reception I've been given and for all the messages from the fans."

How will you deal with all the pressure that goes with playing for Barça?

"I'm calm. I'll try not to think about it too much, not to go too far. I just want to do as much as I can to help the team win as many trophies as possible."

What did you think when Barça expressed an interest in you?

"I didn't believe it at first. But after a while, things started to get serious. I spoke to my father when it was confirmed, and I was very happy because it's a dream come true."

What convinced you?

"I've supported Barça all my life. It was my only option. It's the best club in the world and it was always my dream to come here. Some of my greatest heroes have played here, like Romario and Neymar. They made history here. It will be a pleasure to play in this shirt."

Asking about your heroes, which player impacted you the most?

"There are so many, but I'd have to say Neymar, Romario, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. I think they're the ones that impacted me the most."

A new era now begins. What are the goals for the rest of the season?

"In La Liga, we have to rise in the table, as far as we can, and then fight to win the Champions League. Because at Barça we know that only winning counts. Personally, I'd like to do my little bit to help the team, I'll do everything I can to do that."

How would you define yourself as a player?

"A fighter who never gives up any ball as lost. And I also know that my job is to score as many goals as possible."

What is Vitor Roque like as a person off the pitch?

"Well, I'm a very calm, modest person. And I'm also the kind of person who likes to get good rest. Generally, I'd say I'm that kind of person."

Finally, what dream would you like to come true here in Barcelona?

"I'm very sure about that one. Winning the Champions League would be the biggest dream."