Joan Garcia talks Barcelona move, Lamine, Flick, Real Madrid links, Spain call-up – ‘Very happy with my decision’ | OneFootball

FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia is experiencing a landmark moment in his career following his first call-up to the Spain national football team.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper joined Barça from RCD Espanyol last summer and has established himself as one of the best in his position in La Liga, earning a long-awaited call-up to the national team.

Spain play Serbia later this week at Estadio de La Ceramica before taking on Egypt at the RCDE Stadium, Garcia’s former home, which could also turn out to be the venue where he makes his debut for La Roja.

On Barcelona move and return to RCDE Stadium

In an interview with Cadena SER (h/t SPORT), Garcia spoke about several topics, including the possibility of playing at Espanyol’s home ground, saying:

“I’m excited to play at any ground, but it’s just a coincidence that it’s turned out this way. It’s special; playing in Barcelona is exciting.”

Garcia admitted that his immediate objective is to impress Spain boss Luis de la Fuente: “I hope to make it difficult for the coach, to give him a headache.”

Discussing his transfer to Barça from Espanyol, which sparked some strong, hostile reactions from the supporters of his former club, the goalkeeper added:

“These are decisions you make after giving it a lot of thought, considering what’s best for you and your family; I’m very happy with my decision. In the end, it’s normal that everyone expressed their opinion as they wished, and I stayed focused.”

Garcia has already played at the RCDE Stadium since joining Barcelona, where he pulled off a masterful display to help the Blaugrana to a crucial win.

Joan Garcia has earned his first Spain call-up. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

And he highlighted a key moment in that match, naming his save against Pere Milla as his “best” since the move. “And especially against Pere, as we’re always bantering,” he joked.

On Barcelona

Garcia acknowledged that playing for Barcelona has increased his visibility at the international level, having progressed through Spain’s youth teams.

“When you’re in a team that plays in the Champions League, you have more high-pressure matches. The manager sees how you perform in those kinds of matches; I suppose that’s why there are more opportunities,” he admitted.

One of the clubs linked with Joan Garcia last summer, before he joined Barça, was Real Madrid. But Garcia hinted there was nothing serious to it.

“There were a lot of rumours, but not all of them are true,” the goalkeeper simply remarked.

Discussing the tactical demands under Hansi Flick, he added: “With Flick, we’re kept on our toes; it’s a system that demands a lot from you. I’m feeling more and more comfortable, but I’m 24, and I still have a lot to learn and improve on.”

Finally, Garcia spoke about his Barcelona and Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, lavishing him with praise.

“I sometimes think about it – he’s only 18, for goodness’ sake. I think back to what I was doing at 18 and there’s simply no comparison; it’s incredible. We need to support him and all the young players, and try to help them improve,” he concluded.