"We didn't want Vitor Roque to come in December, the plan was for him to stay there [at Athletico Paranaense]," Xavi said in his press conference for the Almeria game.
"The option was opened with the injuries of Gavi and Balde. For his training, we believed it was the best. There is a debate that, to me, makes no sense.
"He is a player still developing training. There are footballers who are ahead of him, that's how I understand it.
"Vitor has spent his entire life with young footballers," Xavi adds.
Barcelona signed Roque back in the summer and loaned him back to Paranaense until the winter window opened around December/January.
Barca could've kept Roque in Brazil until the start of the 2024/25 season as Real Madrid decided to do with Endrick but they insisted on bringing him early.
However, Xavi points to injuries for Gavi and Balde as the excuse for bringing Roque, but they're not forwards. So Roque arrived in a highly competitive environment and has only started two games since.
Roque joined Barca in a deal worth €61m. Barca must pay at least €30m over the length of his contract.
Latest news
