Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Alejandro Garnacho takes swipe at Chelsea after making Aston Villa debut

Alejandro Garnacho is "happy to be enjoying football again" after making his Aston Villa debut.

The Argentine started Saturday's 3-1 pre-season win over the Indonesia All Stars as Unai Emery’s side continued their preparations for the new season.

Garnacho is looking for another fresh start less than a year since joining Chelsea from Manchester United.

The 22-year-old winger has joined Villa on loan in a deal which is expected to become permanent.

Garnacho did not score at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, he played a part in a first half as Villa established a 2-0 lead before he was substituted at half-time.

After the match, Garnacho shared an image from the game on Instagram alongside a message that many interpreted as a subtle swipe at his parent club.

"See you soon Bangkok! First start after three months. Happy to be enjoying football again. One per cent every day. Thanks Indonesia," he wrote.

The Argentina international was recruited after Villa sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, with Emery identifying Garnacho as a key addition to his attacking options.

Speaking when the move was confirmed, Emery said: "We are delighted with Alejandro. He is so talented, young, and he showed us his wish to help our project. We are really happy."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.