Spanish attacking midfielder Manu Garcia has arrived in Thessaloniki to complete his return to Greek club Aris FC for a second spell, with the player expected to sign a three-year contract.
Representatives from Aris met the Spaniard at the airport following his journey. Speaking upon his arrival, Garcia said that both he and the club had strongly desired the reunion, adding that although he felt tired from traveling, he was delighted to be back in Greece.
Aris FC, based in Thessaloniki, is one of the premier football clubs competing in Super League Greece. Garcia previously featured as a key playmaker for the side before moving to Major League Soccer in the United States.
Reunion with Loren Moron
Garcia revealed that his compatriot, Aris forward Loren Moron, had been in constant contact with him throughout the transfer process. He noted that Moron repeatedly asked whether he would return to the team.
Garcia told Moron that he would make the move back to Thessaloniki. He expressed hope that his return to the lineup would help bring back peak form for the Spanish striker on the pitch.
Complications in Major League Soccer
Reflecting on his spell in North America, Garcia described his time in Major League Soccer as a complicated period. He explained that the club underwent frequent leadership changes during his tenure, including shifts in ownership, the technical director, and the head coach.
While acknowledging that the organizational instability did not help his personal performance, Garcia emphasized that his time in the American league remained a distinct experience.
Club ambitions and fitness for OFI match
Turning to his objectives for his second spell with Aris, Garcia set ambitious goals for the squad. He stated that the team wants to reach a cup final and win the trophy this time, while remaining competitive near the top of the league standings to help Aris continue to grow.
Regarding his potential availability for the upcoming fixture against OFI Crete, Garcia explained that he had been training regularly prior to his flight. He added that he will train in Thessaloniki as well, leaving the final assessment of his physical condition to the head coach.
Tribute to supporters and club leadership
Garcia concluded his remarks by thanking the Aris fanbase for their warm welcome. He expressed deep gratitude for the affection shown by the supporters and the messages he received, promising to try to repay them through his performances on the field.
He also highlighted the efforts of Aris owner Theodoros Karypidis in negotiating his return. Garcia thanked Karypidis for insisting on completing the transfer, noting that the club executive played a decisive role in bringing him back to Thessaloniki.
