Garnacho discusses specific actions and attitudes that led to his departure from Manchester United. Now at Chelsea, the outlook does not look promising, fueling questions about his future.
The 21-year-old player's time in Manchester ended in tension after his fallout with former coach Ruben Amorim. Garnacho created friction in the locker room and used social media to express his frustration, prompting the club to authorize his transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Looking back on his marginalization before the move to London, he admitted his share of the blame for the strained atmosphere. In an interview with the Premier League, he said: "The last six months, I wasn't playing like before at Manchester United. I started staying on the bench; it's not that bad, I was only 20, but in my head, I had to play all the time.
In my mind, maybe it's also my fault, I started doing some bad things. But yeah, it was just a moment in life, and sometimes you have to make decisions, and I'm very proud to be here and to stay in the Premier League at a club like this."
The situation was worsened by news of disciplinary problems that marked his final season with Amorim.
Despite the bitter breakup, marked by provocative messages from Garnacho's brother online and by the Aston Villa shirt bearing Marcus Rashford's name that the player wore, the forward insists he holds no grudge against United.
"We know the squad we have and what we can do," he added. "Sometimes there are good moments and bad moments. I'm proud to be here now; my life is normal, and I'm happy. Of United, I have nothing bad to say, neither of the club nor of any teammate. Only a stage of my life changed. My life moved on. You have to look forward."
Asked if it hurt to leave Old Trafford, the winger replied: "Yes, maybe, because I loved the club. From Spain, they trusted me, they took me to the academy, and then to the first team. It was four or five incredible years, with a lot of affection from the fans and the stadium. But sometimes you have to change for the good of your life or to take the next step. I only have good memories of Manchester United."
Life at Chelsea has not been the fresh start Garnacho imagined after leaving the northwest. He arrived with high expectations, but has struggled to find consistency under the orders of Liam Rosenior, who replaced Enzo Maresca in January. The recent elimination of the Blues from the Champions League and their poor run in the league have worsened his frustration.
With just one goal in the Premier League this season, his minutes have decreased. Once the future of United's attack, he is barely a rotation option in London today. His poor performance raises questions about the £40 million invested in a player under contract until 2032.
Garnacho's drop in performance has caught the attention of foreign clubs, and unexpected reports have emerged linking him with a temporary departure from the Premier League. Apparently, River Plate coach Eduardo Coudet has personally contacted the player to discuss a possible one-year loan. Two years ago, such an exit would have been unthinkable when he was the rising star at Old Trafford.
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