Joan Garcia talks Barcelona transfer, Espanyol farewell, trophy ambitions – ‘I’m at home’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have their first signing of the summer and it is none other than Joan Garcia – the talented Espanyol goalkeeper who was the best in his position in the league last season.

Despite the tensions between the two clubs, the player made the bold decision of signing for Barcelona this summer as he looks to take the next big step in his career.

Needless to say, it was a massive step for the Blaugrana too who have clearly made a conscious decision to move past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and look for a new younger player who can provide longevity and possibly more quality.

The new arrival speaks

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the latest Barcelona signing opened up on the complicated cross-Catalonia move and all his expectations and ambitions with Hansi Flick’s side. He began by expressing his excitement and preparedness for the journey ahead.

“Ready for this challenge,” he began.

“I know there is competition in this team, and this is normal in a big club like Barcelona. But I think competition is healthy and makes us all better,” he added on the competition for the starting goalkeeping spot.

He then elaborated on the relationship he shared with his competitors and how it was important to fuel growth.

“There is always a special relationship between goalkeepers, which perhaps does not exist in other positions. The daily competition between us makes us evolve.”

“I am very excited to give everything I can,” he added.

Garcia then left the door open for Hansi Flick to decide who deserved to start in goal and relayed how excited he was to get started.

“It’s up to the coach to decide, but I’m ready and willing to play if given the opportunity. If it were up to me, I would start training tomorrow.”

“If we want to dream, I hope this is the beginning of years full of titles and successes,” he added on his expectations at the club.

Adapting to Barcelona, especially as a goalkeeper, is easier said than done especially given the unique ball-playing style that is needed at the club.

“Although the season has been good, I’m a strict person with myself and always looking for improvement. So I see that there’s always room for improvement,” he began on the topic, admitting to readiness to learn.

“Now I’m very excited about this new challenge. I know it will be a completely different style than what I’m used to, but I’m confident that I can adapt,” he added.

“All I’m thinking about now is the first day at Ciutat Esportiva, the day I put on my boots and gloves and start training,” he added.

Barcelona’s newest addition. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelona)

The player then went on to speak on how he made the complicated decision to leave Espanyol for Barcelona given the complicated relationship between the two clubs.

“I didn’t want to spread myself too thin, I wanted to stay completely focused, but then it was intense days and weeks,” he began.

“I consulted myself a lot, and talked to those close to me, with my family. But in fact, I was very convinced that this was the decision I had to make, and I’m very happy that I made it,” he added.

He then added that the decision was not easy but one he was proud of.

“I was very clear that this was the path I had to take. It was a bit complicated, I had mixed feelings, but like I said, I was very convinced and very happy to make this decision.”

Elaborating on the players at Barcelona and the bond he shared with some of the players at the club even before his first day at work, Garcia said,

“It’s a very young team, and I think that will help me a lot to adapt and fit in smoothly. Plus, luckily for me, you see, I already know some of the players.”

“Currently it is one of the best projects in the world of football,” he added on the potential of Hansi Flick’s project.

He then proceeded to state he was at ‘home’ and how it was special for him to have the chance to be a Barcelona player.

“I’m at home. I think it’s a team that competes for everything today, both because of the quality of the team and the structure that has been created.”

“I was so excited to be joining a project of this magnitude, and what better way than to have it in my home,” he further stated.

Talking about his farewell video to Espanyol fans, he added: “I was there for nine years. I experienced everything; complicated moments, and other very happy ones. But from day one, I knew what I wanted, which was to play in the first division with Espanyol.

“I worked hard for it. I think I helped the team achieve its objectives, like qualifying or staying up this season. I’ve always given everything I had for the club. It was a complicated decision, of course, but it was what I had to do.

“I’m very happy with what I did there and the way I defended the club’s colours. But the time came to take a step forward, and I think that’s what I did.”

Joan Garcia left Espanyol to join Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Discussing the pressure at Barcelona and whether he is ready for the challenge, Garcia noted:

“Yes, of course, and even improve on it. This is my first season, and it’s true that it’s gone very well, but I’m a very demanding person. I always see things I can improve on. I’m very happy and excited to be experiencing this new style.

“It’s true that it’s completely different from what I’m used to, but I’m very convinced that I can adapt.”

Talking about how he will prepare for the challenge, the Spaniard added: “With great enthusiasm. I always think about it this way: When you start playing, what is your objective? To compete for everything, to win titles, to be at the highest possible level.

“Luckily for me, now I have the opportunity to do it. I can tell you: I have a tremendous desire and enthusiasm to take on this experience, which will be new to me.”

Touching on his interactions with club president Joan Laporta during his contract signing, Garcia said:

“Laporta is a funny, wonderful person. He was surprisingly close to us, both to me and my family. Not just him, but also to Rafa [Yuste] and everyone who was there. We felt very comfortable and laughed a lot.”

Source: Barça One