Espanyol captain would never consider joining Barcelona like Joan Garcia – ‘I am 100% sure’

The transfer of Joan Garcia from RCD Espanyol to FC Barcelona this past summer stirred up a lot of controversy, considering the bitter rivalry between the two clubs.

The Blaugrana signed the 24-year-old goalkeeper by activating his €25 million release clause, with no direct negotiations taking place between the two clubs whatsoever.

Garcia had earned a cult hero status at Espanyol, especially after his brilliant performances last season to help the Catalans stave off the threat of relegation from La Liga.

As such, fans were furious about his decision to join Barça , for whom he is already excelling at the start of the season.

Speaking in an interview with RAC1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), current Espanyol captain Javi Puado discussed Joan Garcia’s transfer to Barcelona while also answering whether he would consider making such a move himself.

“It’s all understandable. Obviously, when you leave for your eternal rival, it doesn’t feel good, but it’s the player’s decision. In the end, the player does what he thinks is best for his professional career, for his family, and to try to build a football career,” he said.

“Joan Garcia felt that leaving, in this case to Barça , was the best option, and that’s it. In the end, I don’t think we need to dwell on it, because it no longer affects us.”

Puado further revealed that he had never spoken to Garcia about his decision to join Barcelona , saying:

“I’ve spoken to Joan Garcia, but not about the decision or anything, because I’ve been with him for years. When I was in the first team, he moved up, and well, I’ve talked about other things, honestly, but not about his departure or anything.”

Javi Puado will never consider joining Barcelona . (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “I didn’t say to Joan Garcia, ‘No, don’t go to Barça , go to another team.’ In the end, it’s his decision, and he makes the decision he thinks is best for his sporting life and his family, based on what he has said, and we can’t get involved in that.

“I wish he had stayed with us for the whole year and for life. Well, obviously if he had to leave, it would be better to go to another team, yes, but if he has decided on Barça , that’s that.”

During the interview, Puado was asked about the hypothetical scenario of receiving an offer from Barcelona . His response was unequivocal, as he said:

“No, I won’t go. Not for anything. Even if it were a very good offer? I hope I don’t get the offer, but no. I’m at Espanyol, the club that has given me everything. I am 100% sure I wouldn’t leave. But I haven’t received an offer.

“And I don’t think I will, which is better. If Barça wants you, it’s likely that another top team will want you too. I’m telling you how I feel right now, you know? Right now, I feel like I wouldn’t leave.”