Espanyol icon stands in support of Joan Garcia over Barcelona move – ‘Taking a step forward’ | OneFootball

Joan Garcia’s decision to join FC Barcelona this summer has ruffled a lot of feathers at RCD Espanyol.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper left the Parakeets to sign for their bitter local rivals following the activation of his release clause.

Garcia had attained a cult-hero status among the Espanyol fanbase after his stellar displays this past season helped them evade relegation.

As such, there is a lot of bitterness and disappointment among the supporters over his decision to make the move to Barcelona.

Joan Verdu sympathises with Joan Garcia

However, speaking in an interview, former Espanyol star and club icon Joan Verdu has come out in defence of Joan Garcia over his move to Barcelona.

Verdu spent four years at Espanyol between 2009 and 2013, after having come through the ranks at Barcelona’s La Masia. He went on to play more than 150 matches for the club.

Joan Garcia left Espanyol for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Talking about Garcia’s decision to make the switch, the 42-year-old remarked:

“Making this move is always difficult, and on a personal level, I think it’s been a difficult and complicated few days for Garcia in terms of thinking carefully about what was best for him.”

“Logically, in terms of objectives, being at Espanyol is not the same as being at Barça,” continued Verdu, sympathising with the goalkeeper.

“I understand it in the sense of wanting to improve, in the sense of being a footballer, of being a sportsman, of wanting something better and of taking a step forward,” he further said.

Verdu also empathised with Espanyol fans, who have been stung by the transfer.

“When one of your idols goes to the rival team, it’s always hard, but I think Joan has given everything until the last day with Espanyol and with that, there can be no doubt,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo