Alejandro Garnacho has appeared to aim another subtle dig at Chelsea after saying he is “happy to be enjoying football again” following his Aston Villa debut.
The exit came after only one season at Stamford Bridge, with the winger now attempting to rebuild his career under Unai Emery.
Garnacho started Villa’s 3-1 pre-season victory over Indonesia All Stars on Saturday, completing the opening 45 minutes before being withdrawn at half-time.
Afterwards, the 22-year-old posted on Instagram: “First start after three months. Happy to be enjoying football again.”
The comment could be interpreted as a reference to his difficult final months at Chelsea. However, Garnacho did not mention his parent club directly.
Alejandro Garnacho Chelsea exit followed difficult first season
This is not the first time Garnacho’s comments since leaving Stamford Bridge have attracted attention.
ReadChelsea previously reported that Garnacho appeared to aim a subtle Chelsea dig when he highlighted Villa’s Champions League qualification and admitted he wanted to rediscover his confidence.
Chelsea signed Garnacho from Manchester United for £40million last summer, but his first season failed to establish him as a guaranteed starter.
He made 43 appearances across all competitions and scored eight goals. Xabi Alonso then allowed the winger to leave after making clear that regular minutes could not be guaranteed.
The Standard reported when the Aston Villa agreement was reached that Garnacho joined initially on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The conditions are understood to relate to appearances and should be achievable.
Chelsea have since reshaped Alonso’s attacking options, with Morgan Rogers arriving from Villa for £117million.
Garnacho will now hope regular football under Emery allows him to regain the form that made him one of Europe’s most highly-rated young wingers.
His latest message may frustrate some Chelsea supporters, but the Blues will ultimately be more concerned with him playing regularly enough for Villa to trigger their purchase obligation.
