The Spanish left back is ready to fight for his place in the Blues’ long-term plans and he has not given up on that leading to the international arena.
Now one of the club’s longest serving players, Garrido has seen the club transform since he arrived barely three years ago but he is enjoying life as a City player even if he is not a regular first choice.
He has reached a half century of league and cup games for the Blues – under three different managers – and has made ten starts this term.
“It’s true there have been many changes since I arrived in 2007, but that’s how football is,” he said.
The club wants to grow and the progress made has been amazing, but hopefully this is just the beginning of a long, happy journey for everyone
...Javier Garrido
“I’m very content here at City and living in England. When I first arrived I couldn’t speak a word of English so I had to learn pretty quickly.
“Now I’m happy because I’ve learned a new language and have many English friends outside of football. It’s been a great experience for me so far and it’s seems odd that I’m now one of the longest-serving members of the squad – but that’s something I’m also pleased about.”
Though he accepts he is unlikely to be playing for his country at this summer’s World Cup Garrido is refusing to completely rule out a call-up for his country.
The City left-back has shown he can also play as a left midfielder when required and has also become something of a dead-ball specialist so has plenty to offer.
“When I was playing regularly before Wayne Bridge arrived, there was talk in the Spanish press about there being a possibility of a call-up for me because there weren’t too many left-backs around,” he said.
“It would be great if I was called up by the national team some day, but they would probably only consider me if I was playing on a weekly basis.
“I would obviously be very proud to play for Spain and there is plenty of time for that dream to come true.”
