"Spain is a great country and Garnacho chose Argentina, that's worth more than anything else"

Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, who has just won the Copa America with his national team in the United States, said on Thursday that his teammate Alejandro Garnacho, born in Madrid, decided to wear the 'Albiceleste' shirt and not that of "a great country like Spain".

"In the end, the most important thing is what he chose. That has to be a source of pride. Spain is a great country and he decided to defend Argentina. That is much more valuable than anything else," said the Atletico Madrid midfielder in an interview with Olga media.

The 'Colchoneros' player spoke about the jokes made on social networks towards the 20-year-old about the mix of Spanish and Argentine accents in some interviews. "I understand it too: one time he gave an interview and people are kind of rude. They took out some clippings because of how he spoke. He speaks like an Argentinian, he says: ‘Boludo, what's up,’’ De Paul commented.

Born in Madrid but with an Argentinian mother, Garnacho started playing at the municipal school in Arroyomolinos (30 kilometres southeast of Madrid), went on to play for Getafe and in 2015 joined Atletico Madrid.

Two seasons later, he caught the eye of Manchester United, who paid the Madrid club 486,000 euros for a teenager he convinced over a video call.

Backed by his great season with the Red Devils, which culminated in a goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, Garnacho has been in the spotlight ever since Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included him in the 26-man squad for the Copa America.

On his return to Argentina, De Paul stopped by a Racing Club training session, where he was seen chatting with members of the club and current coach Gustavo Costas, according to the ‘Academia’ on their social media. 

 

July 15, 2024