Fran García on ‘one of the best goals I've scored’
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
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Francisco García talks UEFA.com through his fine individual effort against England, his U17 EURO hopes and the prospect of a Spain-Real Madrid double this month.
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"A player who unbalances opponents down the wing. He's very quick and possesses an excellent left foot," says Francisco García's profile on the Real Madrid website.
The 16-year-old has demonstrated that on more than one occasion at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Azerbaijan, scoring two goals differing in their execution but equally as eye-catching, despite starting just one match.
That was against England in the quarter-finals at the weekend, when García, on target as a substitute in La Roja's 4-2 defeat of Italy three days earlier, announced himself to a pan-European TV audience with a goal of the highest quality.
On THAT goal against England …
It's one of the best I've scored. When I received the ball the space opened up and I took the opportunity to move inside. The defenders were quite far apart, I saw the way, and so I took the chance to forge ahead. I was expecting some contact because England are a strong, physical team. The goalkeeper went down to his left so I shot down the middle and slightly to his right.
On playing only 44 minutes of football in the group stage ...
It was a good opportunity for my team-mates who had played before. However, I'm glad that the coach [Santi Denia] had me in his thoughts, that I was given the chance. I'm happy because I belong to the team and together we can reach the final.
On the U17 EURO experience in Azerbaijan …
It's my first time at a tournament like this. It's great to be here and the most important thing is to show people we're a good team.
On Spain's performance so far and the semi-final against Germany …
We've been consistent and achieved good results as a group – we're like a small family. Germany will be very hard. We'll now watch their match [the 1-0 victory over Belgium] and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
On life at Real Madrid and playing for their Juvenil C team …
It's a unique experience because they're the best club in the world.
On Spain clinching the U17 title and Real Madrid lifting the UEFA Champions League …
It would be great because winning a tournament at this age is quite difficult, and seeing the team you support being successful is also good.
