Rijkaard laments Garcia exit
Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has labelled Luis Garcia's departure 'a shame'.
Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has labelled Luis Garcia's departure from the club a 'shame for the squad'.The attacking midfielder is poised to join Liverpool, subject to him passing a routine medical, for a fee of £6 million.
Rijkaard had always insisted he wanted to keep Garcia at Camp Nou, but admitted he did not want to stand in the way of the player having heard the magnitude of Liverpool's offer.
"The loss is a shame for the squad, but you have to be happy for the player, he deserves it," declared Rijkaard.
"He was liked in the dressing room, and we hope he does well in England.
"It was such an attractive offer he was obliged to take it, something we must accept as a team because we want him to be happy."
The Dutch coach went on to outline the 26-year-old's qualities that had persuaded Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to take him to Anfield.
"He is an outstanding player who always gives his all," Rijkaard continued. "He can play on either flank and always understands what is asked of him."
