‘I'm Not Asking You’—Joan Garcia Sends Message AfterJoining Rivals Barcelona | OneFootball

Joan García has acknowledged it “won't be easy“ for Espanyol supporters to understand his transfer to Barcelona, which has now been confirmed by both clubs.

García had plenty of admirers after two excellent seasons with Espanyol, with Arsenal and Aston Villa among those linked with the 24-year-old. But Barcelona officials decided they could not afford to miss out on his signature as they forced their way to the front of the queue.

Espanyol recently confirmed García’s release clause—a bargain €25 million ($28.8 million)—had been triggered with La Liga and, on Wednesday, published a statement revealing García’s contract with the club had been terminated as a result. Barcelona follo

Barcelona followed suit a couple of hours later after García had posted an emotional statement to bid farewell to Espanyol, where he acknowledged the controversy caused by his move across Catalonia.

“Today I say goodbye to the club I’ve been with since I was 15. During all this time, I tried to grow every day, as a football player and as a person. Always with humility, effort and pride defending the goal of Real Espanyol,” he said.

🔗 Instagram

“I gave everything I had to help the team, to represent this crest with the utmost commitment, and to live up to what wearing this shirt means. I know this decision won’t be easy for everyone.

“I’m not asking you to understand it, but I want you to know that it’s a very thoughtful decision, one I’ve considered not only for the sake of my career, but also for the good of the club, my family, and myself.

“It’s not a final goodbye, but rather a phase that closes with the conviction that everything I’ve experienced has made me better.“

García is expected to become Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper, having a signed a six-year contract running until 2031, sparking significant uncertainty over the future of Germany international Marc-André ter Stegen as a result.

33-year-old Ter Stegen has vowed to stay at the reigning La Liga champions but may have no choice but to leave as the Catalan giants continue to balance their precarious financial books.