Alejandro Garnacho aimed a subtle dig at Chelsea after playing his first game for Aston Villa since joining on a season-long loan.
The Argentine has made the switch to Villa Park from Chelsea initially on loan but with an obligation to buy, only a year after he left Manchester United to join the Blues.
He will be hopinh to reignite a stalled career under Unai Emery, having larely struggled in West London, and his latest post suggested he was pleased to put his time at Stamford Bridge behind him.
After starting in Villa’s 3-1 win over Indonesia All Stars, the 22-year-old posted a photo on his Instagram story with the caption: “See you soon Bangkok! First start after 3 months. Happy to be enjoying my football again. 1% every day. Thanks Indonesia!”
Garnacho was unable to get himself on the scoresheet in Indonesia but showed some positive moments in his first outing in a Villa shirt.
Goals from Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley and 17-year-old Brian Madjio secured the victory for the Europa League winners.
Emery excited aboout ‘new chaper’
Villa are preparing for a season in which they will compete in Europe for the fourth time under Emery, having ended a 30-year trophy drought by triumphing in the Europa League final in May.
Since then, however, the squad has had something of an overhaul, with Morgan Rogers leaving for Chelsea for £117million, while key midfielder Youri Tielemans has also left to join Manchester United.
The Midlands club have brought in Yohan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, as well as Garnacho, and Emery said he is excited for what lies ahead with his new-look squad.
“I am really optimistic. How we are building the team, how we are with a lot of chances and how we are responding every day,” Emery said.
“I want to tell all our supporters: we are coming back again with a new spirit, a new chapter. Really, I am excited.”
“After the first two weeks, we did our work in Birmingham. Now this camp is important in terms of how we are going to get fit and to adapt with the new players.
“Tactically, how we can, as soon as possible, try to understand our structure with the players we have.”
Emery also noted that several members of the squad are still due to return following their World Cup commitments. “Keep going, try to avoid injuries, try to adapt as better as possible in our structure, the players who are joining us.”
