Garnacho takes brutal swipe at Chelsea immediately after Aston Villa debut

Alejandro Garnacho has claimed he is enjoying football again in an apparent dig at former club Chelsea. The Argentinian made his Aston Villa debut against Indonesia All Stars as Unai Emery's side ran out 3-1 winners but the 22-year-old couldn't resist a swipe at the Blues.

Garnacho joined the Europa League holders on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to buy for £43million, should Villa opt to trigger it. It appears no love has been lost with his former employers after suggesting he had an unhappy time at Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso made the attacker surplus to requirements after being appointed as the permanent manager. Garnacho, who left Manchester United under a cloud last summer, has sparked another bitter dispute after departing a club.

Taking to social media following their 3-1 victory over Indonesia All Stars, Garnacho said: "First start after three months.

"Happy to be enjoying football again. One percent every day. Thanks Indonesia."

The attacker's stint at Old Trafford concluded on a bitter note before his initial switch to Stamford Bridge failed to come off in January 2025. Garnacho lost favour under Ruben Amorim and was dropped from the squad for the victory over Manchester City, while his omission from the Europa League final starting XI prompted a post-match outburst.

United will be monitoring developments closely as Garnacho prepares for his maiden season in the West Midlands. Michael Carrick's outfit would be entitled to 10 per cent of any future transfer fee for the 22-year-old and should the buyout clause be activated, Villa will be obliged to pay £43million for his signature.

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Garnacho endured a torrid debut season in the capital, during a chaotic period for the Londoners that saw a string of managerial changes. Enzo Maresca had been keen to bring the United winger to the club but departed in January after 18 months at the helm. Liam Rosenior was subsequently appointed as his replacement, yet his time in charge proved brief, with the axe falling after just 106 days

Alonso was confirmed as permanent boss this summer following Calum McFarlane's stint as caretaker. Yet in the Spaniard's very first move at Stamford Bridge, he showed the Argentine the door.

Emery now faces the task of reviving Garnacho's career after a bruising spell at both United and Chelsea. The Europa League-winning manager 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."

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