Marc Roca has told Spanish newspaper Marca that Leeds United defender Junior Firpo helped convince him to leave Elland Road in the summer and join Betis – where he is on loan with a permanent option.
Roca, 26, left Leeds in the summer along with numerous other players after the club were relegated – some of his doing, given he was such an integral part of the side. He has since been impressing at Betis.
The Spaniard’s form has even seen him linked with a Spain National Team call-up. It comes after three difficult years in his career, having previously only played 24 times for Bayern Munich in two seasons.
So, Roca wanted to go in the summer – and leave Leeds. But he spoke to Junior Firpo – and Joel Robles – both of whom were still at Leeds, and had played for Betis. £13m signing Firpo remains at Elland Road.
Roca has told Spanish media that Firpo helped convince him of a move to the Europa League outfit, who are in action this evening – at home to Sparta Prague. He also asked Robles of his advice, about a move.
“I spoke with Junior and Joel, who were with me at Leeds. They told me not to think about it, that I would be very comfortable. They told me about the coach, coaching staff, locker room, the city, everything.
“In the end it is a plus that people very close to you give you this encouragement, these advice and the truth is that, just as they told me, I am feeling it now and I am finding it here in Seville,” Roca told Marca.
Roca: Leeds defender Firpo helped convince him of Betis move
Well, clearly, it is a move that has suited Roca. Advice from Firpo and Robles – who is now playing in the second tier of Saudi Arabian football under Robbie Fowler – worked. What next will be interesting.
Roca has a permanent clause in his deal at Betis. His form will surely convinced Betis to address that clause – but his form may also attract other, bigger clubs. It is also unclear if Betis will raise the funds.
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