I wanted to quit football to become a FARMER after transfer to Barcelona turned into a nightmare

BARCELONA ace Vitor Roque considered quitting football at the age of 19 and becoming a farmer due to the pressures he faced at the Camp Nou.

Barca signed Roque, 19, from Athletico Paranaense in January for an initial fee of £30 million, but struggled to impress in Catalonia, leading to a loan move to Real Betis.

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The striker scored just two goals in 16 appearances for the Blaugrana and played second fiddle to star man Robert Lewandowski.

The Brazil international claimed the fee paid by Barcelona, ​​as well as his €500m (£414m) release clause, had led to significant pressure and anxiety.

So much so that Roque even considered early retirement to find peace on his farm in Brazil.

However, the talented striker has found a way to regroup and is impressing at Betis with five goals and one assist in 19 appearances.

Roque told ESPN: “Yes. I thought I wanted to go to the farm there (in Brazil) and be calm, without anyone worrying me, because sometimes it’s difficult… a lot of pressure.

“But it’s just about moving forward, having mental strength, continuing to work with great humility and making things go well.

“Little by little, I am also regaining all my happiness and my confidence.

“I already had a lot of anxiety about making things work. I think what created the pressure was the price they paid for me, which was a very expensive in recent years.

“I wasn’t completely ready to resolve the situation or help the team the way I wanted to, I wish I had.

“I would have to have time to adapt, to get used to the players and the club, and it didn’t go as I would have liked.

“And it serves as a learning experience for next season.”