Four years on from leaving Catalonia for England, the top-rated centre-half is preparing to repeat his steps after the end of his deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Garcia is confident that returning to Barca is a brave choice
Eric Garcia has confirmed he is making a “brave” return to Barcelona from Manchester City, but the talented 20-year-old is eager to avoid comparisons with current Blaugrana star Gerard Pique. Four years on from leaving Catalonia for England, the top-rated centre-half is preparing to repeat his steps after the end of his deal at the Etihad Stadium. Such a move had been mooted for some time, as it was reported in early May that an agreement has been reached, and Garcia is convinced that the right career call is being made. “I thought about my future, what I think is the best now,” Garcia told reporters on leaving the Premier League giants to return to his roots. “I think it is a brave choice and I am very sure of the step I have taken.”
The ‘next Pique’
Garcia is following in distinguished footsteps when it comes to moving back to Barca from Manchester. FIFA World Cup winner Pique did the same back in 2008 after spending four years at Old Trafford. Garcia is keen to avoid being held up as the “next Pique” and has taken the chance to aim a sly dig at his future teammate by claiming to have represented “the better squad of Manchester.” Garcia added on the Gerard talk: “I don’t care because I think we are different players. To be truthful, I play down the problem. He has achieved everything, he is one of the best defenders in the world, more than recognised, and I’m only 20, and I am just starting my career.”
“So the only possible comparison is that we are both from the academy and lived in Manchester, but he played for the not-so-good squad. I was luckier and could perform at the better team of Manchester. A shame for him!”