Question re Garcia...

[Craig_H]

A lot has happened in the past week, in the form of speculation, gossip and now finally, what looks like some solid activity.

Despite everything that's happened though, one thing hasnt unravelled itself and i'm wondering what people think.

What i want to know is, why was Rafa so willing to let Garcia go?

Was it a prerequisite in getting Torres? Did Garcia vocally state he definitively wanted out? Was it the age and contract issue?

It seems odd that one of Rafa's favourite players and one who, unlike the likes of Josemi and Morientes, actually delivered enough to warrant being a favourite, has been so readily allowed to leave.

Any ideas?

[Charlie_B]

I would guess (and hope) that the bid came in, Rafa ran it past Garcia, Garcia wanted to go home, the end.

[-V-]

Athletico wanted him. We had to give them something. Its bargaining.

Not great to have to let go, but to get what you want you have to let something go sometimes

I guess Rafa then went to Luis and explained that he would only be playing limited games and from then on Athletico persuaded him to go home

[Attilladahun]

I recall he was homesick and would have gone to Athletico Madrid last January had it not been for his injury

[reddragon]

good question mate. Could it be that we ARE short of cash [as suggested by most of the paper], and couldn't afford the full fee for Torres?
Either that, or as CharlieB suggested Rafa was looking for ways to make the deal happen and Luis was happy enough to go.

Whichever I'm gutted.

[El Jefecito]

A lot has happened in the past week, in the form of speculation, gossip and now finally, what looks like some solid activity.

Despite everything that's happened though, one thing hasnt unravelled itself and i'm wondering what people think.

What i want to know is, why was Rafa so willing to let Garcia go?

Was it a prerequisite in getting Torres? Did Garcia vocally state he definitively wanted out? Was it the age and contract issue?

It seems odd that one of Rafa's favourite players and one who, unlike the likes of Josemi and Morientes, actually delivered enough to warrant being a favourite, has been so readily allowed to leave.

Any ideas?

Rumours have been going around for a good year or so that his wife had not settled and that they wanted to go back to spain.

[Eth]

It was rumoured that he was going to leave after the FA cup final if I remember - I think he just wanted to go home - little legend

[MrMichael]

A lot has happened in the past week, in the form of speculation, gossip and now finally, what looks like some solid activity.

Despite everything that's happened though, one thing hasnt unravelled itself and i'm wondering what people think.

What i want to know is, why was Rafa so willing to let Garcia go?

Was it a prerequisite in getting Torres? Did Garcia vocally state he definitively wanted out? Was it the age and contract issue?

It seems odd that one of Rafa's favourite players and one who, unlike the likes of Josemi and Morientes, actually delivered enough to warrant being a favourite, has been so readily allowed to leave.

Any ideas?

I think that over rhe last 3 years Rafa has realised that Garcia was never going to play a regular role in a team that would genuinely chalenge for the premiership. Europe yes, but not the league.... there's 19 away games you couldn't play him in to begin with. Not really a winger, and with the front line we are assembling, no room there either.

Great player was Luis, and he'll always be remembered very fondly, but I'm not that suprised by this one.

[Craig_H]

I think that over rhe last 3 years Rafa has realised that Garcia was never going to play a regular role in a team that would genuinely chalenge for the premiership. Europe yes, but not the league.... there's 19 away games you couldn't play him in to begin with. Not really a winger, and with the front line we are assembling, no room there either.

Great player was Luis, and he'll always be remembered very fondly, but I'm not that suprised by this one.

Everyone's made a valid point in this thread, but i think you've hit the nail on the head here.

I said a few times that i wondered where Garcia could fit into the side (if we get wingers, which has to be on the agenda soon) and Rafa probably wondered the same thing. A very talented player with a habit of striking big in the big games, but over the course of a season, he'd probably have been a bit-part player. Being 29 and having only 1 year left on his contract wouldnt have helped either.

I'll miss him though

[Kenneth]

I'm assuming that the rumours about Garcia (or specifically his wife) being unsettled had something to them. Add the contract position and I think it was garcia who chose to go. I can't see Rafa wanting rid.

I don't buy the stuff about Rafa wanting to focus on the Prem etc tbh.

[El Jefecito]

I'm assuming that the rumours about Garcia (or specifically his wife) being unsettled had something to them. Add the contract position and I think it was garcia who chose to go. I can't see Rafa wanting rid.

I don't buy the stuff about Rafa wanting to focus on the Prem etc tbh.

[Red Chilli]

A lot has happened in the past week, in the form of speculation, gossip and now finally, what looks like some solid activity.

Despite everything that's happened though, one thing hasnt unravelled itself and i'm wondering what people think.

What i want to know is, why was Rafa so willing to let Garcia go?

Was it a prerequisite in getting Torres? Did Garcia vocally state he definitively wanted out? Was it the age and contract issue?

It seems odd that one of Rafa's favourite players and one who, unlike the likes of Josemi and Morientes, actually delivered enough to warrant being a favourite, has been so readily allowed to leave.

Any ideas?

I think Luis knew he was not going to get many games since the arrival of the CROW so he has decided to return to Spain. Rafa owed him a chance to leave for a reasonable fee because of the excellent service he has provided LFC.

Or is his injury a chronic one?

[Joe Le Toff]

I thought his missus never settled here and went back to Spain???
Dont know for sure but if it was true then he had little alternative i would think, coupled with the fact that he wouldve been more of a squad player this season.