Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid continues to generate reactions from within the Barcelona camp, and Eric Garcia has now become the latest Blaugrana player to address the high-profile transfer.
Following recent comments from Dani Olmo, the versatile defender shared his thoughts during an interview with Mundo Deportivo, discussing Cucurella’s switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s transfer activity, Barcelona’s reinforcements and the growing speculation surrounding Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
Garcia’s reaction to Cucurella’s Real Madrid move
Cucurella’s decision to join Real Madrid surprised many across Spanish football, including several players who know him personally through the national team setup.
Garcia made it clear that there is no bitterness inside the Barcelona dressing room regarding the transfer.
Instead, players are focused on supporting friends and former teammates when they make important career decisions.
“It’s the transfer window, and players move between teams. I think it’s only natural.
“We’re happy for our teammates if it’s the move they wanted. There was also the news about Victor [Munoz], and we’re happy for him.”
The defender also admitted that Cucurella’s change of club colours might alter the jokes shared among teammates.
Marc Cucurella, Spain and Chelsea player
Eric Garcia has wished Cucurella the best of luck. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Speaking about his relationship with the new Real Madrid defender, Garcia said,
“We’ll have to be a bit more careful with him now (laughs). He’s a great bloke and if he’s decided it’s best for his future, then go for it.”
Garcia assesses Real Madrid’s new signings
Real Madrid have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market, strengthening multiple areas of the squad with the additions of Cucurella and Bernardo Silva, among others.
Garcia acknowledged the quality arriving at the Bernabeu but stressed that Barcelona have also improved significantly ahead of the new season.
“They’re strengthening their squad. They already had good players and are adding quality and experience.
“But I think we’ve also strengthened well with Anthony Gordon. I think the squad we have was already very good and I’m sure we’ll have another successful season.”
Furthermore, Garcia also offered an insight into what supporters can expect from new Barcelona Anthony Gordon after facing him this season.
Explaining the winger’s qualities, he said, “He’s a very quick player who never stops pressing.
Anthony Gordon, England and Barcelona player
Eric Garcia has nothing but praise for Anthony Gordon. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
“I think he’s a bit different to what we have, perhaps because we have one-on-one wingers like Lamine or Rapha. But he’s a winger who gets into space a lot.
“I think that can also help us a great deal. And obviously, when it comes to pressing as well. We saw that for ourselves when we played against him this year.”
Alvarez praise will excite Barcelona fans
One of the more interesting moments of the interview arrived when Garcia was asked about Julian Alvarez, a player who continues to be linked with Barcelona.
The defender avoided entering transfer speculation but had no hesitation when discussing the Argentine’s ability.
First, Garcia responded cautiously to the rumours, stating,
“Yes, all I can say is that he’s a very good player because he’s proved it, but I’m not going to speculate on what the future holds for him because I don’t know either.”
However, when asked whether Alvarez possesses the level required to play for Barcelona, his answer was immediate and emphatic.
“Yes, of course, he’s a world-class player,” he concluded.