Eric Garcia, Memphis and Royal on their first few weeks

Eric Garcia, Memphis and Royal on their first few weeks

The three Barça newcomers share their views with Mundo Deportivo, El Periódico and Sport respectively

Not one, not two, but three Barça players, all of whom are new to the squad this year, have been talking to the press this week: Eric Garcia to Mundo Deportivo, Memphis to El Periódico and Royal to Sport.

Let’s have a look at what they’ve been saying.

Eric Garcia: 'Dream' debut

“It has all happened so quick and I didn’t expect to play against Real Sociedad, but I’m very grateful to the boss for his trust in me.”

“Debuting for Barça has always been a dream. It was the first league fixture and on the day that fans returned to Camp Nou, so it was very special for me.”

“It would be great to be able to say one day that I’ve had the kind of career that Gerard Piqué has had. He’s one of the best there’s ever been. It is incredible to play alongside him and learn from him.” 

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“There weren’t many numbers to choose from, but Carles Puyol is one of my role models and I saw a picture of him wearing that number and that decided it for me.”

Ronald Koeman has very clear ideas. He gets the team to play a very specific way and I’m happy with the work we have done together this first few days.”

“Barça is a club where you always play to win, that’s why it’s the best in the world. We need a clear conscience and that comes from knowing that we need to win.”

E. Royal: Enjoying the style

“I’m delighted. It’s a pleasure to be here. The city is very nice and very similar to my country - it's got the sea, the beach and it's hot.”

“My team-mates have helped me from the very first day. I’m improving with every session and adapting to the Barça style.”

“There are top quality players at Barça but they are incredible people too.”

“Koeman insists that I should keep being myself and I focus on doing what I know I can do best.”

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“I have a very good relationship with Sergiño Dest. He’s an incredible person and I talk to him almost every day and we play jokes on each other.”

“A new era has begun without Leo Messi. We have to get things right and fight to win titles.”

“The Barça style is the kind of football I like. It’s about keeping the ball, creating pressure when you lose it and running intensely.”

 

Memphis: Making connections

"I’m a player who likes freedom, either on the left or as centre forward. And I like to be on the ball."

"I create danger situations and I need freedom to do that. Creative players are always free. I know what Koeman wants from me. I know what I have to do. There’s a good chemistry between us and that’s important.”

"I connect with everyone on the pitch. Everyone has been so nice and that has made it easier. I have great fun with Jordi Alba. And with Frenkie de Jong and Dest of course, because I already knew them. They seem to be a very nice squad.”

"My celebration when I score means that I’m acting deaf and blind to the criticism of me. It’s mental preparation that helps with my self-focus and gets me to perform as well as I’m able to.”

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"I’m a believer. Faith gives me inner peace. I get support from my faith, from God, in my prayers, and that’s how my life always has been. I want to enjoy myself because the talent that God gave me is for my own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others.”

“Football is obviously my main concern. It’s what I like. But I also have a good sense for fashion and music. I have taken on these artistic angles for a reason, because they bring me peace. But when I go back to football, I do it fully.”

"I’ve had a Foundation for three years. I hadn’t been back to Ghana since I was little. I went back there and felt an immediate connection with the people. And I looked into ways to help them. I think I have to give back part of what I have.”

 

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