Alejandro Garnacho: What is going on with Chelsea winger?
Garnacho answered “no” when asked if he regretted leaving Manchester United in December.
In a recent interview with Premier League Productions, he said he “loves” United, has only fond memories of his time there and reflects on their goalscoring haul in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City, which visits Chelsea on Sunday.
However, Garnacho also addressed the controversy surrounding his departure.
“I remember not playing the same way at Manchester United in the last six months,” he said. “I ended up on the bench. It wasn’t such a bad thing – I was only 20 – but there was a feeling in my mind that I had to play every game.
“In my mind, maybe it was my fault too. I started doing some bad things. But it was just a moment in life and sometimes you have to make decisions. I’m really proud to be here.” [at Chelsea] and I’m still in the Premier League at a club like this.
“I have nothing wrong to say about United, the club, anyone in the club or my teammates. It’s just a moment’s change and life goes on. I have no regrets.”
The controversies he cited included accusations of indiscipline, lack of professionalism and a series of public social media posts by himself and his brother. These problems contributed to his departure under the management of former boss Ruben Amorim, and Garnacho ended his contract and secured a transfer to Chelsea.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the striker has repeatedly said he is “happy here”, praised vice-captain and compatriot Enzo Fernandez as “like my dad” and spoke in the same way about United captain Bruno Fernandes.
He has admitted that he needs to quietly improve on the training ground and is working in detail on his defensive performance.
With rival left winger Jamie Gittens sidelined for three months with recurring hamstring injuries, the door remains open for a potential season-ending coup.
Although it was not reflected in the team selections, boss Rosenior praised Garnacho last month: “He has a lot of talent and potential. The biggest thing for any young player to strive for is consistency.”
“But he’s given very good signs, not only in training but also in meetings, that he’s on a really good track.”
When asked why opposing fans often boo Garnacho, he added: “Maybe it’s because people judge a book by its cover.”
Garnacho told Premier League Productions this week that he was aware some people thought he was “arrogant” and that his bleached blonde hair and tattoos had attracted both “good and bad” comments, but he was just a “normal kid”.
Chelsea deny any decision has been made in terms of a move mooted this summer, despite a loan deal with Argentinian giants River Plate.
However, Garnacho costs £40 million and is not among the club’s highest earners, making him affordable for many European teams. Chelsea also plan to add another attacking player alongside Sporting’s Geovany Quenda, who has signed a contract to join the team after the end of this season in March 2025.
This means some of the current squad will inevitably be sold this summer.
