New Barcelona signing Joan Garcia went from survival hero to public enemy primary at Espanyol within the area of some weeks between Could and June. The Catalan goalkeeper determined to hitch their most bitter rivals after Barcelona activated his €25m launch clause.
It now seems to be as if he might be obtainable for his or her La Liga debut towards RCD Mallorca on Saturday too. The Blaugrana have now obtained approval to activate the emergency damage rule after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s again surgical procedure, permitting them to register Garcia.
Joan Garcia had no doubts about Barcelona profession transfer
Within the lead as much as his transfer, there was loads of hypothesis surrounding his intentions, with quite a lot of tales rising saying that he wouldn’t take into account a transfer to Barcelona as a result of rivalry. But when it got here to a profession resolution, Garcia didn’t assume twice, as he instructed MD.
“I by no means had any doubts about my future or my sporting facet. Clearly, coming from Espanyol, there are just a few extra doubts, however I didn’t have any on the sporting facet.”
Garcia famous that he has been relaxed about his registration scenario, affirming that ‘I knew what I used to be moving into.’ He thanked the Barcelona followers for his or her welcome.
“First, thanks very a lot for the welcome you’ve given me in a considerably difficult scenario, and for coming right here to offer my all, to assist in any approach I can.”
And in addition had a message for the Espanyol followers, who reacted with ire.
“I perceive them, I perceive a bit of the ache they might have felt, the frustration. I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I hadn’t thought of them, that I hadn’t had some troublesome days occupied with them. However ultimately, it was the choice I needed to make for myself, for my household, and for my future.”
Rashford: “All the lads are like younger, should you’re like 27, 28, I might say there’s extra gamers underneath 21 than previous 28. In my profession, I am within the center, however right here I am extra skilled. It is refreshing taking part in with [the young ones], they arrive in and so they have a lot power, and it…
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 13, 2025
Espanyol supervisor Manolo Gonzalez almost guess his hand
Famously, Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez made a number of media appearances claiming Garcia wouldn’t transfer to Barcelona. In a single, he mentioned he would ‘nearly guess my hand’ on it not taking place.
“As I’ve mentioned, everybody has their very own ideas, their very own opinions. I’ve already mentioned that maybe it was a bit obscure the transfer to Barca as a result of I’m from Espanyol, however I’m clear that it was the most effective factor for me.”
He additionally denied that he had instructed the Espanyol dressing room he wouldn’t transfer to Barcelona.
“Sure, I’ve spoken with [Manolo]. Past the sporting facet, we get alongside very nicely, we’ve gotten alongside very nicely. He’s been a coach who’s given me all the pieces, he’s given me his full belief, and clearly we’ve spoken. I’ve wished him the most effective of luck for no matter comes subsequent, and he’s wished me the identical.”
What satisfied Garcia of Barcelona transfer?
A part of the frustration for Espanyol followers was that Garcia appeared to have the choice to go elsewhere, with Newcastle United and Manchester Metropolis closely linked to him.
“Many names and lots of groups come up, nevertheless it’s not at all times like that. It’s true that there was curiosity from different groups, however ultimately, there was nothing like what Barca provided me on a sporting stage and by way of what they’re constructing, their younger crew, with the potential to win all the pieces. There was nothing, and in that sense, I had no doubts.”
Garcia was additionally requested how Barcelona Director of Soccer Deco allayed any doubts he might need about becoming a member of the membership.
“Above all, the venture there may be, the crew there, so younger, with a lot high quality. They usually made me really feel they really beloved me. They made a big monetary dedication that many groups most likely wouldn’t have made. So I felt they really beloved me, that it was a dedication they have been making with nice dedication. And that’s essential for a participant. Feeling beloved and actually beloved is essential to me.”