Alejandro Garnacho left Manchester United to join Chelsea this summer after the Argentinian star fell out of favour with Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim
Alejandro Garnacho looks on during a Chelsea match
Alejandro Garnacho left United after falling out of favour with the Red Devils
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Manchester United may have seen Alejandro Garnacho as one of the club's future stars, but the player clearly had other ideas.
Chelsea snapped up Garnacho from United in August for £40 million following a breakdown in his relationship with Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim. Just over a year earlier, in December 2024, United had celebrated Garnacho after the 21-year-old winger was crowned FIFA Puskas Award winner, highlighting the club's deep appreciation for their player.
Despite the affection shown to Garnacho by the Red Devils, it seems the feeling wasn't entirely mutual, with Garnacho showing no remorse about departing the red half of Manchester. The Argentine claimed the award for his spectacular goal against Everton in November 2023, when he executed a remarkable overhead kick.
After the strike was recognised as the finest goal scored anywhere on the planet between August 2023 and August 2024, United made sure to praise their young talent. Their message suggested a lengthy future together lay ahead.
A United statement said: "Congratulations to Alejandro Garnacho, who is the winner of the FIFA Puskas Award for 2024. The Manchester United winger has been recognised for the stunning, acrobatic bicycle kick he netted at Everton in November 2023. Well done to our No. 17, and thanks to all those who supported him. It's a goal that we'll cherish for years to come."
Garnacho, even followed the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo to become only the second United player to win the award after the Portuguese superstar, is now donning Chelsea blue. Ronaldo was the first recipient of the award back in 2009 for his long-range goal against FC Porto during the 2008/09 season while playing for United.
A year later, Garnacho has swapped Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge and he's not looking back. The winger candidly admitted that his departure from United wasn't a heart-wrenching affair.
Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United scores the team's first goal the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on November 26, 2023
Garnacho won the Puskas award for his wonder strike against Everton in November 2023
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He even suggested that leaving United was a necessary move for his career progression. When asked if he had any regrets, Garnacho simply responded, "No." Probed further about whether he felt any sadness over how his time at United concluded, he reiterated: "No."
He added: "Sometimes in life you need to change things to take a step forward or improve as a player," Garnacho explained. "It was the right moment, and the right club. So it was an easy decision."
Upon joining Chelsea, Garnacho didn't hold back in praising his new club during an interview with the official Chelsea media channel.
"I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special," he said. "We're the best team in the world! It's amazing to be here and I'm very happy."
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts on the pitch
Alejandro Garnacho claimed he had no regrets over leaving Man United(Image: 2025 Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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During his time at United, Garnacho made 144 appearances, netting 26 goals and providing 22 assists. While he views his move to west London as the best decision for his career, his farewell message to United suggests he still holds some fondness for his former club.
Garnacho, who has netted four goals and provided two assists in 18 appearances for Chelsea, said: "After an unforgettable five years, this special chapter in my life now comes to a close. We have created moments that will stay with me forever, and I'm very grateful for this.
"To the coaches, staff, and my team-mates, thank you for believing in me. Every time I wore the badge, I gave everything I had. I leave proud of what we achieved together and excited for what's to come. Wishing the club nothing but success for the future, while I look forward to giving my all in the next chapter of my career."
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