Barcelona chief Deco addresses Vitor Roque future after teenager's recent admission

The 19-year-old moved to Camp Nou from Athletico Paranaense in January 2024, and the forward made 16 appearances for Barcelona in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, scoring two goals in the process.

There was criticism of his overall performance level, though, and he was allowed to join Real Betis on loan during the summer transfer window, with the Seville outfit beating a number of clubs to his signature.

Roque has made a strong start to his Real Betis career, scoring five times in 14 appearances, including three goals in 10 La Liga outings.

As it stands, the Brazilian will return to Barcelona next summer to prepare for the 2025-26 campaign, but Deco has not revealed whether the teenager is in the long-term plans of the Catalan giants.

Roque faced criticism for his early form at Barcelona

"We don't make any plans," Deco told Mundo Deportivo when asked whether Roque had a future at the club. "The most important thing for him was to play. Vitor's plan was to come this season and, if he couldn't be registered due to fair play, to give him a season's playing time. He came in January because the coach asked for it with Gavi's injury.

"He cost €30m (£25m), plus variables that he has not fulfilled, as it is normal because we have not won titles yet, and he has not played a percentage of games.

"He arrived in January after being injured before coming; maybe he wasn't in the right shape when he arrived, and he went straight to play in Barbastro and in Arabia without a proper plan.

"Vitor's plan remains the same as before, it has not changed. If there was no 'fair play', and as he was not one of the priority players to sign, he was going to look for a loan so that he could continue to grow in a club in La Liga or another league.

Deco hits out at "personal attack" on Roque

"He is doing well, he is scoring goals. Since I've known Barça I don't remember such an ugly attack on a young player who came from outside as with Vitor Roque. Such an ugly and bad criticism.

"I don't know where it came from, I don't know if it's an attack on me or on the club, but I don't think there was ever a personal attack against an 18-year-old kid so strong and so ugly.

"I am happy for him that he is playing for Betis and is scoring goals and enjoying himself again. He's a young man who has a lot of potential and is going to grow but I don't remember an attack like that."

Back in September, Roque suggested that he is unlikely represent Barcelona again, calling his time at the club "complicated".

Real Betis are believed to be paying Roque's full salary during his time at the club, and a successful loan spell could potentially lead to a permanent deal next summer.