Barcelona youngster explains decision to join La Liga rivals on loan: “It was very clear to me”

The deadline day of the summer transfer window saw Eric Garcia opt to leave FC Barcelona for Catalan rivals Girona on a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old youngster had fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona and would not have played regularly under Xavi Hernandez.

And even though the manager was keen on retaining Eric’s services, the player asked to leave on loan so that he could get minutes under his belt.

Talks with Michel convinced Garcia

Girona had been pressing hard to sign Garcia on loan but there were reports of interest from a few clubs in Italy as well.

Ultimately, though, the 22-year-old opted to sign for Girona and shed light on his decision to join the La Liga club recently, claiming that talks with manager Michel played a key part.

“When I spoke to the coach it was very clear to me. He told me how he saw me and how he thought I could help the team. His way of seeing football is the same way I have coached in my previous teams and I thought it was a good opportunity,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Another key aspect behind Garcia opting for Girona over other options was the club’s style of play under Michel, which he feels is similar to that of Barcelona and Manchester City.

“As I said, it was one of the keys. I like the style of play and I’m used to it. I think I can contribute a lot,” he insisted.

Garcia went on to add that he believes he can have a great season at Girona, saying: “I’m very excited, to be honest. I think it could be a very good season for me and I will try to help the team as much as possible.”

Fear clause included in loan deal

Barcelona have loaned out two players to Girona this season – Garcia and Pablo Torre. And as per reports, the La Liga champions have inserted fear clauses in the loan deals for both players.

It means that Girona cannot use Garcia or Torre against Barça in any competition during their loan spell. In case they do, they would have to pay the Blaugrana a compensation.