Eric Garcia talks Flick, Araujo, Barcelona captaincy, La Masia, Girona, Real Madrid after contract signing | OneFootball

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia has officially signed his new long-term contract with the club, extending his stay at the Spotify Camp Nou until 2031. 

Although the renewal was announced last week, the formal presentation took place today in the presence of club president Joan Laporta, marking an important milestone for a player who has worked his way back into prominence under Hansi Flick.

After the event, Garcia spoke at length about his journey, his development, and his ambitions. Reflecting on what the renewal meant to him, he began by saying,

“It’s every player’s dream. I’m very happy, it’s what I’ve always dreamed of and it’s coming true. 

“There was a moment when I thought it was best to leave in order to get more playing time and come back stronger. 

“It’s easy to say now, but I think it was the right decision, and I’m happy to stay here for more years.”

He also revealed how an important conversation with Flick helped shape his decision. 

“I had a conversation with Flick and he made things very clear to me. You can see it on the field, and that’s very important when making a decision.”

Learnings at Girona

Discussing his loan spell and growth as a player, Garcia highlighted how Girona played a vital role in his progress. He stated,

“I think going to Girona for a season was very important for me to get playing time and improve my level. Michel always tells me that I was very important. 

“When I came back, I had physical problems, but Flick trusted me in different positions. 

Eric Garcia has been extremely crucial for Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“There are times when you play, times when you play less, but now I’m playing a lot and I’m grateful to Hansi for his confidence.”

Furthermore, while reflecting on his time at Girona, the versatile superstar noted,

“Girona was very important for me. This is largely thanks to the confidence that Míchel placed in me. 

“Last year, there were opportunities to leave, but the day of the Benfica game changed everything, and Flick made it clear to me that he wanted me on the team. 

“It was an important conversation that changed the course of the season.”

On the Barcelona captaincy

When asked about whether he could one day captain the team, Garcia expressed humility. He responded, 

“It’s not something I have to choose. It has to come naturally. The coaches have always trusted me in that regard. It comes naturally to me.”

He further added, “It’s not a goal. It’s something that comes naturally to me. 

“Ultimately, I have this character on the field, but it’s something that comes naturally. Setting it as a goal wouldn’t be good.”

On Man City’s win over Real Madrid

Asked about his former club, Manchester City, who recently beat Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the UEFA Champions League, he said,

“You’re always happy when your former teams win. They’re a great team, and I’m happy for their victories. Not just yesterday’s, but in general.”

And on Real Madrid’s poor run, he stated, “After El Clasico and Chelsea, it looked like we were throwing away the season, but that doesn’t mean anything. 

“In football, there are good times and bad times. We had a difficult start with a lot of injuries. I’m never going to be happy when things go badly for a rival.”

On his versatility

Garcia also spoke about the variety of positions he has played this season.

“The only position I haven’t played is striker. I’ve always been a centre-back, but I feel very comfortable at full back. 

Eric Garcia has renewed his contract until 2031. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“This year I’m playing as a defensive midfielder and I’m adapting. I try to do my best whenever the coach asks me to.”

He added that Flick often asks him to step into unfamiliar roles when needed.

“When there’s an emergency, Flick asks me if I can play there. At Girona, I started playing as a full-back. 

“I have more options to play, more possibilities, and that’s very important in a squad.”

On La Masia and his future

Garcia also reflected on what the club means to him personally. He stated that he has been following the club since Pep Guardiola’s era.

“Since I was little, I’ve watched Barça with my grandfather and been to the stadium many times. I saw Pep’s era.” 

“I never doubted that I would leave. I wanted to reach an agreement to stay here. 

“Last season was a big change for me, and I’m very happy with what I’m experiencing this season.”

On Ronald Araujo

Garcia also expressed support for his teammate Ronald Araujo, who is currently on leave with the permission of the club.

“We miss him. Not only as a player, but as a person. He is very well-liked. We welcome him back with open arms. 

“When it comes to health, everyone is in charge of themselves. We hope he has patience and can return. He is very important and we miss him,” he concluded.

Source: SPORT