During the summer, Barcelona completed the signing of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol. The 24-year-old was heavily criticised by Los Pericos supporters over his decision, but so far, it is that has proven to be vindicated – in that he is the starter for Hansi Flick’s side.

Much was made of Garcia’s decision to cross the Barcelona city divide, and the latest to give his thoughts on the matter has been Espanyol head coach Manolo Gonzalez. Speaking to El Partidazo de Cope (via Sport), he admitted that he understood why the goalkeeper made the move.

“I understand everyone, I respect everyone and everyone makes their decisions. I can speak for myself, and you are going to say of course you say it because you think that Barcelona will never call you, but I can tell you that I would not go to Barcelona. But from then on, everyone is very free to do what they want in their lives.”

Gonzalez also revealed that he received a message from Garcia soon after his move to Barcelona was confirmed.

“He sent me an audio shortly after Barça happened. I replied and we haven’t spoken since. But I’m telling you, I know Joan. He’s not a bad kid, he’s a good kid. I can’t say anything against him in that aspect because I think he’s a good guy. But I haven’t had the relationship to talk to him every day either.”

Gonzalez speaks on “fan reaction” against Joan Garcia

There will be a lot of focus on Garcia when he makes his return to the RCDE Stadium in January when Barcelona and Espanyol face off in the derby, and Gonzalez was asked about any possible reaction that supporters could have towards their former goalkeeper.

“I think nothing happens. That they are going to whistle at him is a matter of common sense, everyone knows that this is going to happen. But I don’t think anything much more relevant than that is going to happen.”