Joan García bids farewell to Espanyol and closes the social media commentary box.

Goalkeeper Joan García announced his decision to leave Espanyol on social media this Wednesday. He did so in a video, without naming FC Barcelona , ​​his next destination, and closing the comments section in response to the avalanche of criticism he's received since rumors about the move surfaced.

"Today I have to say goodbye to the club that has been my home since I was 15," the goalkeeper began, saying, as he will be in charge of FC Barcelona starting June 30.

"During all this time, I've tried to grow every day as a footballer and as a person, always with humility, effort, and the pride of defending Espanyol's goal. I've given everything I had inside to help the team, to represent this badge with the utmost dedication, and to live up to what it means to wear this shirt," he stated.

The 24-year-old footballer has sent a message to all those criticizing him for this departure: "I know this decision won't be easy for everyone to understand. I'm not asking you to, but I do want you to know that it was a very thoughtful decision, considering not only my career but also what's best for the club, my family, and me."

After thanking everyone who has supported him during this long journey, Joan García added: "Now a new challenge begins, and I face it with enthusiasm and also with the utmost respect for everything I'm leaving behind . Thanks for everything, Perico, and goodbye."

Espanyol statement

Likewise, the Espanyol team has announced that "goalkeeper Joan Garcia has paid his release clause —25 million plus the CPI—and is ending his time as a player with RCD Espanyol."