Report reveals how Joan Garcia learned about his maiden call-up to the Spain national team | OneFootball

FC Barcelona had a good day yesterday when it emerged that their number one, Joan Garcia, had received a call-up to the Spain senior national team for the first time in his career. It has been a long time coming for the talented shot-stopper.

Now, as per Mundo Deportivo, the 24-year-old did not get the news in front of cameras or in the middle of a big dressing-room scene. His first senior Spain call-up arrived in a much more ordinary setting, which somehow makes the moment feel even more satisfying from a Barcelona point of view. It was personal, sudden and completely earned.

The Barca goalkeeper was at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Friday, still hoping his name might appear in Luis de la Fuente’s squad. The report says the signs beforehand were not especially encouraging, with talk pointing instead towards continuity for Alex Remiro.

There was also some concern over Joan’s physical condition after the scare against Newcastle. But the report says Barca reassured the Spanish federation’s doctors that he was fine, available and fully fit.

With that in the background, Joan went to the gym to continue his individual physical work rather than train with the group. That was where everything changed. A member of the technical staff approached and gave him the news.

The reaction was instant. The report says Joan was training shirtless and did not even stop to put one on before reaching for his phone. He immediately started returning calls, first to his parents, Jeronimo and Teresa, then to his partner Anna, and after that to his agents, Juanma Lopez and Aitor Banda.

The way the incident played out shows just how much this call-up means to Joan. He might not yet be getting his debut under Luis de la Fuente, but he has forced his way in through the sheer weight of his performances for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

It is very unusual to see a manager call up four goalkeepers for an international break, but Joan has made De la Fuente change the way things are usually done. Only the future will reveal what awaits him in a La Roja shirt.