New Barcelona signing Joan Garcia has had to change his phone number after receiving threats from Espanyol fans over his controversial switch.
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Joan Garcia's number leaked by Espanyol fansRecieves threats after controversial Barca moveChanges phone number and limits social presenceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Garcia, who became Barcelona’s new goalkeeper signing from Espanyol, has reportedly received threatening messages and calls since completing his transfer across the city. The situation escalated so quickly that Garcia was forced to change his phone number and limit public appearances for safety reasons.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Garcia’s move from Espanyol to city rivals Barcelona has not sat well with some fans of Los Pericos. While close friends at his former club have quietly supported his decision, some others at Espanyol have reacted harshly, per SPORT. The 24-year-old skipped a close friend’s birthday last week and has largely stayed home during his holiday to avoid further incidents.
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Despite the heat, Garcia has shown maturity in handling the situation, focusing on his professional future. His early days at Barcelona may be turbulent, but the club hopes he can soon settle in and shift the attention to his performances on the pitch.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GARCIA?
Barcelona are expected to ease Garcia’s transition with internal support. With pre-season approaching, all eyes will be on how the young keeper responds once training begins and the spotlight returns to football. He is expected to be Hansi Flick's starting goalkeeper, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen being forced out of the team and Wojciech Szczesny expected to take up a back-up role.
