"He [Garcia] had a place at Barca. We didn't want him to leave, it was a matter of fair play. We want him to come back next season," Xavi has told the media.
However, the Barca boss also said that 'Eric feels more liberated playing for Girona and this isn't going to change'.
The centre-back has recently said he feels happy at Girona while also noting that he doesn't know what the future holds for him.
Xavi didn't want to let Garcia go last summer – it was the player himself who requested the move to feel important this season.
The 23-year-old is a regular starter for Girona while also being one of their best players. Besides, he has scored three goals for the Catalan side this term.
Eric Garcia's current deal with Barca expires in 2026 while his estimated value is €15m.
