Fran Garcia talks Mourinho, Bellingham, Vinicius, Carreras, Cucurella, Real Madrid exit
· Yahoo Sports
Fran Garcia will face Real Madrid as an opponent when Real Betis host Los Blancos, just months after leaving the club he supported as a boy.
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The Spanish left-back joined Betis this summer after deciding that his career needed a different direction despite being under contract at Madrid.
Now, in an interview with AS, Garcia has opened up about his departure, Jose Mourinho’s return and several of his former teammates.
Leaving Real Madrid was not an easy decision, but it was one Garcia had already made before the summer.
“It’s the best club in the world, but the decision itself had been made since last season.
“I was happy there, I played, I won titles you dream of as a kid… But I needed something else.
“I had a contract and could have stayed at Real Madrid, but Betis was ideal for continuing my career.”
Garcia saw the writing on the wall at left-back
Garcia’s decision was also influenced by the competition for his position.
Real Madrid have continued investing heavily in the left-back position, with Alvaro Carreras arriving after Garcia had finished the previous campaign playing important matches.
“That’s right. I’ve had some really good spells of competing, playing at a high level, and feeling good.
Fran Garcia will face Real Madrid as an opponent. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
“They signed Alvaro (Carreras), and I even finished the season playing important matches, but that’s the feeling.”
For Garcia, moving to Betis offered a clearer path and the opportunity to continue developing rather than remaining in an increasingly crowded position.
“And then this year, when the Cucurella thing comes up, I think to myself: we have four full-backs, I don’t know if I’ll be up to the task.
“Because Ferland (Mendy) is injured, but he’ll be back at the end of the year. And besides, they’ve spent fifty million on one and sixty on the other.
“I understand that those players are going to be the priority.”
Garcia backs Mourinho to revive Madrid
Although Garcia left before Mourinho began his second spell in charge, the former Madrid defender has welcomed the appointment.
“I don’t think there could have been a better replacement; he’s ideal. Last season was unusual – there was far too much commotion.
“If anyone can get Real Madrid back on track – the dressing room, the relationship with the fans and, above all, by delivering results – it’s Mourinho.”
Garcia also believes Jude Bellingham, with whom he shares a great friendship, has rediscovered his best level after what he described as an unusual season at Madrid.
Fran Garcia has spoken highly of Jude Bellingham. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“It’s just that last year was a bit of a strange one at Real Madrid. I think Jude really came into his own at the World Cup and realised that he can now rediscover that best version of himself.
“For me, in fact, he’s at his best at Madrid right now – even better than in his first season.
“He’s really coming into his own this season. I’m absolutely delighted for him. For me, at this level, he’s the best in the world in his position.”
Facing Real Madrid rather than playing alongside them will also give Garcia a different perspective on Vinicius Junior.
“He always is as an opponent. Vini is a player who makes a real difference.
“He never hides away; he makes 20 million runs per match, and he keeps at it even when things aren’t going his way.
“But of course, the moment things start to go his way… He’s been like that since his first year with Castilla – a lad who keeps at it until he gets it right.
“And it’s the same now: he might be on form or off form, but he never fades into the background.”
Reunion with Ceballos
There will be another familiar reunion for Garcia when Dani Ceballos joins him at Betis.
The former Madrid midfielder has returned to his boyhood club, and Garcia believes his arrival can make a difference in Europe.
“It’s a huge joy, because he’s going to take our quality to the next level. I’m delighted to be reunited with a teammate who’s here to achieve some truly wonderful and great things.
“Dani is returning to the club he’s always played for, and that’s going to give him the strength to deliver that extra edge we need in the Champions League,” he concluded.