Joan Garcia talks Barcelona transfer, facing Espanyol, Messi’s Camp Nou return, Ter Stegen – ‘Looking forward to going back’ | OneFootball

Barcelona summer signing Joan Garcia is finally close to making his long-awaited return to action. 

After spending several months recovering, the goalkeeper is expected to be available for selection when Barcelona take on Athletic Club on 22 November, right after the international break. 

The fixture could even mark his debut appearance at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, a prospect that clearly excites the young shot-stopper.

The goalkeeper also has a special date circled on his calendar – the Barcelona–Espanyol derby set for early 2026 at the RCDE Stadium. 

The clash carries immense emotional weight for Garcia, who spent years at Espanyol before joining Barça this past summer. 

Reflecting on his past, he shared heartfelt words about his former club during an interview with RAC1.

“Everything I did, kissing the badge, I did because that’s how I felt at the time. I spent many years at Espanyol, I suffered a lot, but I also enjoyed myself a lot. 

“Last year was particularly difficult. We weren’t safe until the very last day. 

“These are things that just come out; in the end, you have a lot of affection for the club and you’ve suffered a lot,” said Garcia, opening up about his emotional journey.

Facing Espanyol

Continuing on that subject, he added perspective on his career move. 

Joan Garcia will return to Espanyol in 2026. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“One thing doesn’t take away from the other, and the affection I have for (Espanyol) can be compatible with taking a step forward and looking for the best for myself and my career.”

When asked about returning to face his old club, Garcia did not hesitate. “I’m looking forward to going back. I think it will be different to return wearing another shirt. 

“I’m also a little aware of what might happen. That day I’ll go there like any other stadium, to try to play the best game possible and try to win.”

Opening up about the transfer

The Barça goalkeeper clarified that he had not informed anyone of his transfer in advance. 

“I didn’t say it because I didn’t know. Not with Barça or any other club. 

“I always said that I was focused, I knew something about the interest, things come to you, and when the season ended, that’s when we decided. 

“I had no doubts about my future, but there was that emotional side, a very difficult step because of everything I was leaving behind and how it could affect the people around me. 

“Everyone had an opinion, but it was up to me to decide, and I’m very happy,” he explained, before admitting, 

“Maybe I would do it differently now, but I’m at peace because everything I did was what I felt.”

Messi’s return to Camp Nou

Joan Garcia talked about Messi’s Camp Nou visit. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Garcia also confirmed his availability for the Athletic Club clash, expressing hope that it could be his first match at Camp Nou. “Hopefully,” he smiled. 

Speaking about Lionel Messi’s surprise visit to the new Spotify Camp Nou, Garcia added, 

“No one expected Messi to do that, it’s good what he did. We talked about it in the dressing room, but we didn’t give it much importance either. 

“I hope he can come and play with us, but I don’t know how possible or realistic that is.”

Relationship with Szczesny and Ter Stegen

The young goalkeeper then discussed his relationships with his teammates. On Wojciech Szczesny, he said warmly, 

“He’s a star. He’s very funny, we laugh a lot with him. Those of us who speak Catalan are teaching him words.” 

Garcia defended the Polish goalkeeper from criticism for recent goals conceded, explaining that the team’s playing style comes with calculated risks. 

“That’s what Hansi asks of us, knowing that sometimes it won’t work out. He told me that’s how we play, and that it can happen.”

Regarding Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Garcia clarified that there is no tension between them. 

“With Ter, everything is fine. The relationship is normal, like with any other teammate. It wasn’t uncomfortable for me.”

On Lamine Yamal

Joan Garcia praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old also revealed he once suffered from pubalgia, the same condition currently troubling Lamine Yamal. Offering advice, he said, 

“I experienced it firsthand, the pubis is complicated, it’s an injury that has to be taken care of very carefully. I work on it every day and prevention.”

Speaking fondly about Yamal, Garcia added, “He works very hard and is very intelligent.” 

He then joked, “He makes sure to remind me every day of the goal he scored against me.”

Finally, the goalkeeper expressed his dreams of representing his country on the biggest stage, saying, 

“For me, winning a World Cup must be the ultimate, perhaps on the same level as the Champions League,” he concluded.