Aston Villa January signing Andres Garcia has admitted he knew from day one just how big of a club he was dealing with.
Marca cover comments from the defender today as he shares his delight at the move and his instant realisation when he made it.
Garcia joined Aston Villa in a €7m deal midway through the January transfer window from Levante after impressing with the Spanish club over the last year.
He’s a product of their youth system, having joined their youth squad in 2021 after coming through the ranks in the lower divisions in Spain.
Now he’s in the Premier League, the biggest league in the world at one of their biggest clubs, working under one of the most well-regarded managers in the European game. These are all facts that were not lost on him when he made the move in January.
“It was an opportunity,” he said.
“I was with my parents when they called me and told me it could happen, it’s a situation that surprised me a lot, I could feel that a dream of being able to play in the Premier League and in a team of that calibre was coming true and I’m taking advantage of it.
“As soon as you arrive at the facilities you realise the seriousness of the club and how it is organised. You notice the level and quality from the first day.”
Garcia does not appear to have been overawed by the step up to the Premier League either, seamlessly stepping up to make himself a part of Unai Emery’s squad.
He’s already made five appearances in the Premier League, featuring in 42% of the available minutes and in the starting line up 57% of the time since his arrival, and featured in the FA Cup twice.
That would suggest he’s quickly won Emery’s approval and trust, and he admits he’s looking to take advantage of both.
“Football is about living the moments, taking advantage of them and having a bit of luck,” he added.
“My life has been based on fighting for my dream, visualising it and making it come true. One day you can be down and another up, that’s what football is about and continuing to enjoy this wonderful world.
“I’m focused on enjoying the experience with Unai, who is helping me a lot, of being able to improve every day and take advantage of the moment in the Premier because it’s the best league in the world. Who knows what the future will bring, representing my country would be one of my greatest dreams.”
