Joan García's departure to FC Barcelona came as a complete surprise to Espanyol fans, who felt particularly upset by their player's decision. This was described as a stab in the back, with fans feeling angry about the betrayal of leaving for its biggest rival. However, it seems that he won't be the only one to swap Cornellà for Barcelona this season, with another "perico" heading to the capital of Catalonia.
New "betrayal" of Espanyol
Despite the unbelievable anger caused by the goalkeeper's move, there's another Espanyol player who's going to leave for Barça this summer. According to Pericos Marca, Roger Martínez will become a new member of FC Barcelona after terminating his contract with the "blanquiazules". He'll do so to strengthen the squad of Barça Atlètic, which was recently relegated to Segunda Federación.
Roger Martínez joined Espanyol in 2018 and, after seven years, has parted ways this summer. He had been looking for a team in the free agent market for a few weeks and found an option he really liked. From now on, he'll defend the colors of FC Barcelona's reserve team, which will try to achieve promotion back to Primera Federación under Belletti's leadership.
Roger Martínez, new Barça player
At 21 years old, the midfielder born in Badalona has decided to pack his bags. Barça Atlètic has offered him a team where he can continue his development, aiming to strengthen its squad in case of possible departures. In a case similar to Ferran Jutglà a few years ago, Roger Martínez has left Espanyol completely free of charge.
Recently, he published a statement on his Instagram account saying goodbye to the "periquito" team:
"I never thought this moment would come. But the time has come for our paths to part. I arrived at the club at 14 years old, with the greatest hope of continuing to grow as a footballer and as a person. Today, I can say that I am who I am thanks to you. I want to thank everyone who has accompanied me on this journey: players, coaches, fitness trainers, physiotherapists, doctors, equipment managers, workers at the training ground... Without you, I wouldn't have achieved the dream of making my debut with the first team in Primera División. Thank you also to you, fans, for the affection you showed me from the first day I arrived. It has been an honor to represent this badge and these colors. Always in my heart. 21. Thank you RCD Espanyol."