Èric García, 20, a new Barça player until 2026 with a clause of 200 million, fulfills a dream: “I have waited as long as it took because I just wanted to be at Barça.” “I said to Ansu: let's see if one day we will play at the Camp Nou … The day has come.”
With his new contract until 2026 signed under his arm (the termination clause will be 400 million euros), Èric García (9-1-2001) appeared at the Auditori 1899, flanked by the president, Joan Laporta; Rafa Yuste, sports vice president; and Mateu Alemany, football director. Under the slogan “a culer returns home”, the footballer showed great confidence in front of the microphones. He seemed ready for the moment because Èric García started playing at Barça Escola, even before the junior; and was captain of all the teams in the lower categories before leaving for Manchester City. “We both wanted to get to the same place and here we are. It's a dream come true because I just wanted to go home. We have a great future ahead of us and I'm going to give everything for this shirt. In this club you have to win. 100% with this shirt and I'm very happy to go home. ” Then he answered questions from the media.
What have you thought when you changed in the Camp Nou dressing room?
It was my dream. I've seen my idols pass by. Changing in the dressing room is the end of the road since you start with the youngest. I want the season to start
Is it a good time to arrive?
At Barça it is always the best time to come because it is the biggest club in the world. The path goes through youth, experience at a high level … We will give everything for Barça.
He is compared to Piqué. It bothers?
I have always said that they compare me with Piqué I like it but we have no point of comparison. He has been the best center back in the last ten years and having him as a partner will be a joy but also a requirement because you know that you compete with the best.
You were a proper name for the campaign. Did you feel pressured then?
I was calm. I knew who to listen to and President Laporta told my agent that he wanted me to come. I will be defending the colors of Barça and that implies winning. We are a winning club and I like to win. I look forward to starting down this path.
Is your dream to win the Champions League?
Yes. I have the thorn in from the game the other day. But what better way to remedy it and get it out here. And to be able to offer it to the culés.
Why did he leave then and what is he better at?
At that time perhaps the quarry was not trusted as much as it is today. They offered me a good sports project in Manchester and I am happy with how it has gone there and it has made me return to where I want to be, which is here.
What has Ansu told you?
I have a very close relationship since he arrived as a fry. We have continued to maintain contact. I love it, I appreciate it. We always said, “Let's see if we can play together at the Camp Nou …”. Came the day. I really want to play with him.
What have you learned from Guardiola and what did he tell you?
It goes without saying what a great coach he is. I have learned a lot from him. He works a lot on tactics with the players and that makes him successful wherever he goes.
How have you lived the process of your signing?
Since I decided not to renew with City, I have had to wait a year. But I wanted to be here. So I appreciate the effort. I have waited all that was necessary. The important thing is that I'm already a Barça player and I'm just looking at what can happen.
Would you rather play a defense of four or a defense of three?
I have to be prepared to play where they ask me to. Here the competition is very high and that will make us improve.
Does the explosion of Mingueza and Araújo worry you?
I am one more culé and I am always happy that colleagues with whom I have coincided like Mingueza have played and have shown a high level. And if we can play together and win, it is the best for the club.
To what extent is it important that Barça's hard core is made up of players from the quarry?
Playing for Barça implies certain values and those of us who have been here for a long time know what they are. Outsiders also know where they come from. And that makes the club grow. It is a competition that is good for the club because everyone has to give their best level.