Former Espanyol and Barcelona forward offers guidance to Joan Garcia – ‘You have to surf the wave’ | OneFootball

Joan Garcia’s decision to leave Espanyol and sign for Barcelona has sparked a wave of reactions, especially given the local rivalry between the two clubs.

While the tension between Barça and Espanyol does not match the level of El Clasico, moves between the two sides are still rare and always controversial.

Now, Jonathan Soriano, a player who once made a similar move, has come forward to share his thoughts and offer valuable advice to the young goalkeeper.

Soriano started at Espanyol in 2000, made his way through their ranks, and eventually played for the first team. In 2009, after being released, he joined Barça B, making a name for himself there as a reliable forward.

Feelings aside, football is a job

Speaking from experience, Soriano reminded everyone that footballers are professionals before anything else.

“A footballer is not an amateur. He may have feelings for a club, more or less, but in the end, he is a worker. And many times, feelings have to be put aside,” Soriano said.

Joan Garcia’s transfer has attracted plenty of attention. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

While he spent years at Espanyol and gave his best for the club, he made it clear that players must make choices based on their careers, not just emotions.

Advice to Joan Garcia

To Garcia, Soriano offered a message rooted in patience and maturity. “You have to try not to take any false steps because you can find yourself in uncomfortable situations.

“My advice is to be patient. As an acquaintance says: You have to surf the wave.”

Soriano knows how these moves can shift public opinion. “You go from hero to unloved by a part of the fans.

“You have to be aware of that, accept it, and I would even say that you shouldn’t look too much at social networks, or the internet. Let time pass and everything goes back to normal.”

Finally, Soriano strongly defended Garcia’s right to make this move. “Next year, you have a bad season, and maybe they are no longer interested in you. You have to respect that the player wants to make his way,” he stated.

He was quick to add that Joan has always behaved with professionalism and respect: “He has not had outbursts and he has given everything he had for Espanyol.”

Source: SPORT