Joan Garcia has officially confirmed his departure from RCD Espanyol in order to join city rivals FC Barcelona.
Sharing the information on social media, the 24-year-old goalie published an emotionally charged video message. His goodbye ends nine years with Espanyol, during which he went from a teenage hope into a first-team regular.
Barcelona already settled Garcia’s €25 million release clause. Espanyol likewise verified the payment’s reception through La Liga.
What happened
Garcia made his plans plain via a personal statement to admirers. He said that his choice was carefully considered based on professional as well as personal considerations.
READ MORE: Antonio plays aga after horror crash
For the Catalan-born shot-stopper, the change to Barca offers a great chance to advance his career. Though admirers may find the move challenging, Garcia stated optimism for understanding as he starts a fresh chapter.
What he said
“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 on his Instagram page.
“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.”
He continued: “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.
CHECK ALSO: Chelsea announce interest in Fofana
“It’s not a final goodbye, but rather a phase that closes with the conviction that everything I’ve experienced has made me better.”
He added: “You made me feel like I was part of something so great. I leave with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that this path was filled with both beautiful and difficult moments, but all of them helped me grow.
“I defended these colors with everything I had, and that will always be a source of pride for me. Now I begin a new challenge, one I face with enthusiasm, but also with great respect for everything I leave behind. Thank you for everything. See you soon,” he concluded.
What next for Garcia in Nou Camp?
At Camp Nou, the Catalonia international is tipped to contend for the starting position.
The young goalkeeper offers depth and promise to Blaugrana’s goalkeeping department with his strong reflexes and familiarity with La Liga.
As the team gets ready for the next season, his coming fans already fierce preseason. Fans from both ends of the city will intently observe as the countdown to the official introduction starts.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
2 Responses