Goalkeeper Joan García said signing with FC Barcelona was “the step I needed to take” in his career, even though leaving RCD Espanyol for their historic rivals wasn’t easy. “I knew it was the right move, but considering where I came from, it was complicated. I had mixed feelings, but now I’m fully convinced and really happy with my decision,” the Catalan keeper told Barça One, the club’s official channel.

García, who signed a six-year deal last week, joined Barcelona after the club triggered his €26.34 million release clause (adjusted for inflation) from Espanyol. The 24-year-old from Sallent said he’s joining “one of the best football projects in the world” and added that playing for Barça feels like being “at home,” which helped solidify his decision.

Excitement and commitment for a new challenge

The former Espanyol player, a product of their youth academy, admitted he was eager to join a club like Barcelona, even if it meant leaving behind the team that raised him. “I didn’t want to let anything distract me while we were fighting to stay up, so I waited until the season ended. Then came a few hectic weeks, but after thinking it over with my family and my people, I made the call with a clear head,” he explained.

Now focused on the road ahead, Joan García is preparing to adapt to Barça’s style of play, which he described as “very different” from what he was used to. With Hansi Flick now in charge, the competition will be tough: the squad already includes Marc-André ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña, and there are plans to extend Wojciech Szczęsny’s deal.

“That’s the coach’s problem to solve,” García joked, “but I’m really motivated to contribute however I can and keep growing.” With that mindset, he’s ready to take on the challenge of proving himself at one of the world’s top clubs.