Espanyol keeper reacts to Joan Garcia’s Barcelona switch – ‘It took us by surprise’ | OneFootball

Angel Fortuno, who will take over as Espanyol’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2025/26season, has broken his silence regarding Joan Garcia’s transfer to Barcelona.

Speaking to the media, Fortuno admitted that Garcia’s decision to leave for Barça came as a shock to him and many others at Espanyol.

Last season, Fortuno played as the second-choice keeper, often training closely with Garcia. Their time together built mutual respect, but according to Fortuno, no one at Espanyol had any idea Garcia was negotiating with Barcelona.

“I didn’t know anything. Joan’s level was to go to another team, but well, we didn’t know where he would go. He has chosen it. I wish him the best. Not to the club. He will know.

“You spend so much time with him, training. We knew the level he had and the offers. But he never spoke about Barça. It took many by surprise. It’s quite shocking,” he admitted.

Fortuno firm on his loyalty to Espanyol

Joan Garcia will be Barcelona’s first-choice keeper. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelona)

Fortuno, who has been part of Espanyol since his youth, made it clear that he would never follow the same path. The 23-year-old goalkeeper proudly declared his loyalty to the club, saying, “I’ve been a Perico since I was a kid. We’ve been here, and we’ll always be here.”

He even joked that the only other team he’d consider playing for in Catalonia, aside from Espanyol, is CE Jupiter, a smaller local club known for its grassroots football tradition.

With Joan Garcia now wearing Barcelona colours, Angel Fortuno steps into a new role as Espanyol’s main man between the posts.

At Barcelona, Garcia will be the first-choice keeper for Hansi Flick during the 2025/26 season, while Wojciech Szczęsny will act as his deputy.

Source: SPORT