Fran Garcia opens up on sudden Real Madrid summer exit: ‘Did not speak to Mourinho before leaving’ | OneFootball

Until last season, one player who had an important squad role at Real Madrid was Fran Garcia.

Although he was not always a starter for the club, the Spaniard had some impactful performances when given a chance.

Fran initially competed with Ferland Mendy for the left-back position, but Los Blancos then brought in Alvaro Carreras and Marc Cucurella in two successive summer windows.

Garcia has opened up on the abrupt end to his Real Madrid career, revealing just how quickly his summer move to Real Betis came together.

Garcia understood the writing was on the wall

Speaking to El Larguero, Garcia explained that the arrivals of Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras made his position increasingly difficult.

“When Real Madrid signed Cucurella, I understood that he and Carreras would have priority because they signed for a lot of money,” Garcia said.

Fran Garcia understood where Madrid stood on his future. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Rather than expressing bitterness about the situation, the former Madrid defender focused on what representing the club meant to him.

“I fulfilled my childhood dream at Real Madrid. I wanted to enjoy it and compete. I couldn’t be happier.”

Garcia was even more emphatic about where his loyalties remain after leaving:

“I’m a Madridista. I always have been and always will be.”

No Mourinho conversation in the summer

Perhaps the most surprising detail was Garcia explaining how quickly his departure happened.

“I did not speak to Jose Mourinho before leaving for Real Betis,” Garcia revealed.

“My agents called me at 10pm and told me we’re leaving for Seville tomorrow to sign for Real Betis. I didn’t even have shin pads or boots.”

Garcia seemingly went from being part of Mourinho’s squad to preparing for a new life in Seville in almost no time.

Even if he had held a conversation with the Portuguese tactician, the 27-year-old was smart enough to understand what the club’s position would have been.

Fran Garcia seems to have a special place in his heart for Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

There would have been understandable disappointment after seeing his pathway effectively closed by two new arrivals, but Garcia seems to have made his peace.

“Honestly, I’ve made some amazing friendships at Real Madrid, and I think that’s one of the beautiful things football gives you as well.”

The decision that Madrid made was ultimately about reshaping the position. Cucurella and Carreras were brought in to add some fresh energy to the left-back role.

Garcia may no longer wear white, but his heart still seems to hold a special place for the Santiago Bernabeu. It remains to be seen how he fares at Real Betis.