Joan Garcia targets Champions League success with Barcelona

The 25-year-old, who joined Barcelona after the club activated his release clause at Espanyol, has quickly established himself as one of the team's key players. He also celebrated FIFA World Cup success with Spain, despite not making an appearance during the tournament.

Reflecting on the last two years, Garcia said his career has changed dramatically.

"My life has changed a lot over these two years, but I live it with great pride because everything that has happened has been positive," he said in an interview with Sport.

Although he remained on the bench throughout Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, Garcia insisted he never allowed his lack of game time to affect the squad.

"I handled it very well. Anything else would have been a mistake, both for me and for the group," he said.

"When you keep winning and then win the World Cup, everything was perfect. The substitutes feel just as much like champions as if we had played every minute. We spent almost 50 days together, suffered together and felt just as involved."

Garcia also dismissed suggestions of rivalry between himself, Unai Simon and David Raya during the tournament.

"Those debates will always exist, but inside the group we handled everything very normally. There was never any problem," he said.

The goalkeeper also supported Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid, saying every player must make the best decision for their career.

"Everyone decides what is best for their future. I think it is a good step for him. We joked with him, but deep down we were very happy for Marc," Garcia said.

When asked about Barcelona's transfer activity, Garcia praised Julian Alvarez but stressed that recruitment is not his responsibility.

"Julian is a very good player. Anyone who watches football can see the quality he has," he said.

"It is not my job to assess all of that. I have a lot of confidence in the club's sporting department and in the coach. I am convinced they will build the best possible squad to compete for everything."

Garcia also expressed his support for Ferran Torres amid speculation over his future.

"We are very happy to have him with us, and hopefully that will still be the case next season," he said.

The Barcelona goalkeeper also welcomed the club's new arrivals and believes they will strengthen the squad.

"I really like what we have signed so far. I think both Gordon and Adeyemi will give us a lot. They are the profiles we needed, and I am convinced they will help us improve," he said.

Looking ahead to the new campaign, Garcia said Barcelona are determined to challenge for every major trophy, with the Champions League firmly at the top of the list.

"We have to continue on the path we are on, win La Liga again, target the Copa and the Super Cup, and of course the Champions League," he said.

"We have set it as an objective and we are going to demand the maximum from ourselves to try to win it."

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