Having signed for FC Barcelona during the summer transfer window, Vitor Roque finally arrived in Catalonia earlier this week.

The 18-year-old spent the first half of the season at Athletico Paranaense as his arrival was postponed in the summer due to the Catalans’ Financial Fair Play issues.

But, ahead of the January window, Roque has arrived in Barcelona and will be registered as a member of the first-team squad, with the club’s attacking firepower set to receive a much-needed boost.

Roque is expected to start training with his new teammates today and will participate in the open training session tomorrow. The idea is for the teenage striker to make his debut against Las Palmas on January 4.

Ahead of the training session today, Roque granted his interview with the club’s official media, during which he discussed how the move to Barcelona came about, and the players he is looking forward to playing with.

Joining Barcelona

Discussing how the transfer to Barcelona ended up materialising, Vitor Roque said: “At first I didn’t believe it. After a while, it became serious. I spoke to my father and, when it was confirmed, I was very happy because I was making my dream come true.”

The 18-year-old then went on admit how Barça were the only option he considered as he has been a lifelong fan of the club, saying:

“I’ve been a Barça fan all my life. It was my only option. It is the best club in the world and it was always my dream to play here. Great idols like Romario and Neymar have also played for this team and they made history. It will be a pleasure to defend this shirt.”

There has been a lot of talk about how Barcelona want to protect Roque from any unwanted pressure, but the youngster admitted that he does not feel any and is looking forward to the challenge, saying:

“I’m calm. I try not to think too much, not to go any further. I just want to help the club as much as I can to win as many titles as possible.”

Dreams with BarcelonaVitor Roque is here. (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)

When asked about his biggest dream with the La Liga champions, Roque stated it was to win the UEFA Champions League soon, saying:

“This one is clear to me: winning the Champions League would be my biggest dream. I really want to do things well and win as much as possible with Barça. I’m looking forward to learning and enjoying the best in the world.”

Roque admitted that he was eager to share the field with all of his new teammates, but name-checked two particular players with whom he is eager to play.

“Yes, of course. They’re all very good, but I’m really looking forward to playing with Lewandowski. And of course with Raphinha too. I’ll be fulfilling a dream,” said Roque.

The youngster also revealed he had spoken about the club with Raphinha, saying: “He told me everything wonderful about Barça and that it’s a fantastic club, perfect, with all the facilities to learn and work.”