Alejandro Garnacho has admitted he is “happy to be enjoying football again” after making his Aston Villa debut in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Indonesia All Stars.
The loan has given the 22-year-old a fresh start after one difficult season at Chelsea, although his latest comments could be interpreted as a pointed reference to his time at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho started in Jakarta as Emi Buendía, Ross Barkley and Brian Madjo scored for Unai Emery’s side.
ReadAstonVilla’s Indonesia All Stars 1-3 Aston Villa match report detailed his first appearance, with the winger having an effort blocked before being replaced at half-time as Emery made ten changes.
Alejandro Garnacho Aston Villa loan offers fresh start
Garnacho reflected on the appearance afterwards with an Instagram story.
“First start after three months,” he wrote. “Happy to be enjoying football again.”
That line will inevitably attract attention given the circumstances surrounding his Chelsea departure. However, Garnacho did not directly criticise his parent club, so it would be unfair to present the comment as a confirmed dig.
What is clear is that the Argentina international wanted more regular football.
Sky Sports reported when Garnacho joined Villa that Xabi Alonso could not guarantee him sufficient opportunities at Chelsea, while Emery personally pushed to bring him to Villa Park.
Garnacho made 43 appearances and scored eight goals during his only season at Chelsea, but struggled to secure a consistent starting role.
Villa now offer him the opportunity to rebuild that momentum.
Emery has already spoken enthusiastically about his new winger, while Garnacho’s own message suggests he is equally pleased to be playing again.
His first outing produced no goal or assist, but that was never the main objective in Jakarta.
After three months without a start, getting Garnacho back on the pitch was the first step.
