Leeds United’s Marc Roca joined Real Betis on a season-long loan deal in the last window.
The midfielder has made nine appearances this season and has already adapted to the La Liga side.
Marca have published a detailed interview with the Leeds owned player, during which he explained that it wasn’t a “necessity” for him to return to Spain after spending three years abroad.
The 26-year-old left Espanyol for Bayern Munich in 2020 and then moved to Elland Road in 2022, where he made 36 appearances last season for the Whites, who were relegated from the Premier League.
When asked if he was able to enjoy his time at Leeds, the Spaniard only had positive things to say about the English club.
“I didn’t stop enjoying at any time. We had a great dressing room, a great atmosphere, I participated a lot… It was a year of personal growth, of intensity in the Premier League, playing against the best. I learned to love Leeds, they gave me the opportunity and we connected a lot,” he said.
Victor Orta was the sporting director when Leeds signed the player from the Bundesliga side. The former also returned to Andalusia in the summer when Sevilla appointed him as their new director, and Roca has now thanked his compatriot for signing him for Leeds last year.
“I haven’t spoken to him in a few days, but when we came, we were chatting. I have a very special appreciation for him, he trusted me at a time when it was a bit complicated. I hadn’t participated much for two years and he opened the doors for me,” Roca explained.
“I have a very good personal relationship with him, he is a spectacular sports director and he knows that I love and respect him very much.”
The Leeds man has also given an insight into why he decided to join Manuel Pellegrini’s side on a loan deal.
“I prioritise the sports field. I really wanted Betis, we already had contacts in previous years and it had not happened,” he added.
“I followed them a lot, I liked their style of play…I spoke with Ramón [Planes, Real Betis sporting director], he explained the project to me, and also with Borja [Iglesias], and it was clear to me.”
