Eric Garcia talks Messi, Pique, Fati, Bernardo Silva, Lamine Yamal, Manchester United

With just a few days remaining until Barcelona resume their campaign, Eric Garcia sat down with Gerard Romero to offer his thoughts on his decision to return to Camp Nou. He also talked about Ansu Fati and Lionel Messi, along with the Europa League clash against Manchester United.

“Those of us who grew up in La Masia know the importance of playing a derby. It will be a different game,” Garcia said about the upcoming game against Espanyol.

A native of Barcelona, Garcia had spent years in La Masia academy before joining Manchester City in the summer of 2017.

“I am fully aware of my abilities. I come from Manchester City where I had a lot of competition and I had to make the most of it. At Barcelona, there is fierce competition and that makes us all better,” he said, talking about his move back to Catalonia.

Garcia returned to Barcelona in the summer of 2021, joining the club on a free transfer. “I really wanted to go to Barça. I told Pep and he understood it perfectly,” he said when asked about his decision to return to Camp Nou.

The Barcelona centre-back went on to talk about the fitness of his fellow La Masia graduate Ansu Fati, suggesting that the explosive winger is prepared to make a mark during the second half of the campaign.

“Ansu is very strong mentally. He works like nobody else in the gym and takes great care of himself. During World Cup training I saw Ansu with a special spark,” he said.

Garcia talked about Gerard Pique as well, indicating that the absence of the veteran has been reflected in the training camp.

“Pique’s absence makes us miss him, he’s a different person. He has the ability to go from joking to serious instantly and then play a great game. He knows how to change his mood very easily,” he said.

The former Manchester City starlet also praised Argentine icon Lionel Messi, adding, “Messi is the best. He has shown it in this World Cup.”

“If I could only sign one player, I would sign Messi,” Garcia further added.

The Spanish international also talked about former Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva, who has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona for a long time now.

“I’ve always said that the best player in City is Bernardo Silva. If he comes to Barcelona he will have to fight for his starting position as there is a lot of competition here,” the centre-back said.

The young centre-half also spoke highly of Barcelona teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who is already training with the first team despite being just 15 years old. The La Masia ace is already being considered for a call-up by Xavi for the upcoming Copa del Rey clashes.

“Lamine Yamal is a very good boy, he is 15 and he’s trained with us three, four times,” Garcia said about the youngster.

Garcia was asked about Barcelona’s draw with Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League as well. “Manchester United are a team under construction with very interesting players. It will be a very good match,” the defender remarked.

Having lost his place in the starting XI just before the FIFA World Cup, Garcia will be hoping to reclaim his spot in the second half of the season. But it will not be easy with Ronald Araujo now set to return from injury.