Former Barcelona academy star explains why he chose to walk away: ‘I decided to go because…’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona midfielder Aleix Garrido has spoken at length about one of the most important decisions of his career – leaving the club he called home for more than a decade. 

At just 21 years old, Garrido chose to close a long chapter at Barcelona and begin a new one with Eibar, signing a three-year contract in 2025.

Garrido arrived at Barcelona’s academy in 2012 when he was only eight years old. 

Over the next 13 years, La Masia became his daily environment, shaping him both as a footballer and as a person. 

He eventually achieved his childhood dream by making his first-team debut during the 2022/23 season. 

However, despite that milestone, the midfielder ultimately felt the need to look elsewhere for continuity and growth.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of leaving such a familiar setting, Garrido admitted the change was not easy.

“Of course, I miss the training ground and my teammates at Barça. But it was a decision I had to make. 

“It was time to take this step. Football has many paths; not everything ended at Barça,” he told SPORT.

Happy with the decision

Garrido left Barcelona last year. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Garrido also explained that the decision was not rushed. Instead, it was the result of long conversations and a difficult sporting context.

“I’m very happy I decided to go to Eibar. It was something I thought about a lot with my agent for months.

“But we didn’t make a final decision until the end of the season because we were immersed in the fight for survival and I couldn’t think clearly either. 

“I had to focus on trying to get Barça Atlètic through. Those weren’t easy weeks or months.”

No regrets

When asked whether he left Barcelona with any regrets, Garrido was calm and honest.

“My dream was to make my debut with the first team, and luckily I was able to achieve that. It just didn’t work out for me to move up and settle in. 

“Now I’m in a very difficult league, which makes you a man. And the truth is that I don’t think much beyond that.”

Looking back at La Masia, he believes the academy continues to produce players capable of reaching the top.

“There’s a lot of talent at La Masia. Last year, there were some very young, top-class players. 

“For example, Jan Virgili [currently at Mallorca], who is doing very well in the First Division, I think he’s doing very well. 

“Then there are the Fernandez cousins, who I think are very good.”

On Dro’s departure

Garrido offered his views on Dro’s exit. (Picture credit: Instagram/@drofdezz)

The conversation inevitably turned to Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, whose recent decision to leave Barcelona has sparked debate. 

Garrido offered his take by stating, “I think Dro is a great player, and in the end you have to make a decision. I had to do it too. 

“There was a lot of competition in my position, with top players, and it’s something I had to accept. 

“It may or may not be the right decision; only time will tell. But you have to respect each individual case.”

Finally, Garrido addressed whether recent teenage breakthroughs have increased impatience among young players.

“Lamine and Cubarsi are two very extreme cases. Of course, you have to be patient, as moving up to the first team is very complicated, but everyone must also assess their particular case and make their own decisions. 

“What they did at 16 is not normal, and perhaps it can generate a little anxiety now,” he explained.