Alejandro Garnacho disclosed that a video call with coach Enzo Maresca was instrumental in his decision to transfer from Manchester United to Chelsea for £40m, ending his stint at Old Trafford.
Alejandro Garnacho has shed light on his summer exit from Manchester United, revealing that a personal video call with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was the decisive factor in his £40 million move to Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international transferred to the West London club in August following a period of friction and change under new United manager Ruben Amorim.
Garnacho’s relationship with the new regime soured after he was unexpectedly benched for the Europa League final, despite being a regular starter in the knockout stages. This followed earlier disciplinary issues that saw him dropped from the Manchester derby squad last season.
Speaking to Chelsea’s matchday programme, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, Garnacho explained the reasoning behind his decision. He acknowledged that his final season at Old Trafford was “a bit difficult” due to the significant changes at the club.
Crucially, the conversation with Maresca convinced him to switch allegiances. Garnacho stated: “He explained a lot to me in a video call with him, so I think it was a very important move for me and an opportunity to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea.”
Despite facing initial criticism at Chelsea, including being hooked at half-time against Nottingham Forest after managing only 18 touches and failing to record a goal or assist in his first few games, the winger secured his first goal against Sunderland.
Garnacho maintains he has no regrets, praising Chelsea’s environment: “The type of football they play here is really nice and really good for me, and also the passion of the fans and everything.”