Joan Garcia settling into Barcelona life as team-mates tease him over mountain escapes

Joan Garcia says he is enjoying one of the most comfortable periods of his Barcelona career, despite becoming a regular target for jokes in the dressing room over photographs with his partner.

The goalkeeper is in his second season at Barcelona after joining from city rivals Espanyol. He has chosen to remain living in Barcelona, allowing him to stay close to his family and friends while taking advantage of the sporting opportunity offered by the Catalan club.

Garcia was speaking during the third season of Late Xperience, presented by Bibiana Ballbe. In an interview reported by Sport, he said he had become increasingly settled at Barcelona.

“I am very happy and I have adapted better. I am calmer now,” Garcia said. “The Barcelona supporters also welcomed me incredibly warmly, and that helps you feel comfortable and reassured.”

The former Espanyol goalkeeper also described the character of Barcelona’s squad, saying he had fully integrated with his team-mates.

“The dressing room is made up of young players. At 24, I am almost one of the oldest,” he said. “It is a very young group, full of energy, with plenty of jokes and shouting. We are all friends. We spend many hours together and, whether you want to or not, you end up fitting in with them.”

Garcia named Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Pedri and Eric as the team-mates he is closest to during group gatherings.

“When we are together as a team, I usually spend time with Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Pedri and Eric,” he said.

However, Garcia added that he prefers to have a room to himself when the squad travels, rather than sharing with another player.

“As for rooms, I prefer to stay alone so I can have some peace and quiet,” he said, while acknowledging that some of his team-mates preferred sharing.

Although he enjoys good relationships throughout the squad, Garcia said his social media posts can lead to teasing when he returns to the dressing room. In particular, his team-mates react to photographs of him and his partner visiting the mountains, an activity he makes time for whenever possible.

“When I arrive in the dressing room after posting a photograph on social media, some of my team-mates joke with me,” Garcia said. “But everyone has their own strange habits.”

Garcia said spending time in the mountains was something he shared with his partner and also enjoyed arranging with friends.

“I like going to the mountains with my partner. We love the mountains and, whenever we have the opportunity, we go there,” he said. “I also make plans like that with my friends.”