Bryan Zaragoza (Espanyol) likens his Bayern arrival to FIFA

Bryan Zaragoza, of Espanyol, discussed his career and his current phase at the Catalan club on the show ‘Què t’hi Jugues!’. He framed this year as a “new chapter” in his search for his best level. He also looked back to his standout game versus Barcelona in 2023, where he scored two goals and earned Bayern’s interest.

The “FIFA” moment

Zaragoza said that when he arrived in Germany he felt almost unreal: “When I sat at the table I thought I was in FIFA.” He explained that he was surrounded by players like Neuer and Kimmich, and that he came from “the lowest point,” with 20 years and having never left his comfort zone—language, weather and training in “minus 15 degrees”. He insisted he does not regret the move: “it was a very difficult step,” but he’s “never going to be sorry.”

Rejections and the Espanyol plan

He also recalled being turned down by Málaga and Real Betis for physical reasons, and that even at his “home” club they told him he lacked the physicality for División de Honor Juvenil. “I don’t hold a grudge,” he said.

About Espanyol, he said the team and he “found a good opportunity” this year after “a big effort,” noting that in Spain it’s hard to come with the wages he had to negotiate from Bayern. His first target, he added, is to “get back to being okay” and be happy to regain rhythm after arriving with a significant lack of training intensity. Source: MARCA.