Report – Barcelona star refused shirt number change out of respect for departed captain

Report – Barcelona star refused shirt number change out of respect for departed captain The 2026/27 season has seen a sea of changes as far as shirt numbers are concerned at FC Barcelona. Considering that a number of players departed and there were quite a few new arrivals, there has been quite a lot of movement in the squad numbers. For example, Fermin Lopez took the No. 7 shirt vacated by Ferran Torres, while Joan Garcia has succeeded Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Barça’s new #1. Interestingly, though, young Brian Farinas, who was handed a first-team registration this summer, has been given the No. 4 shirt, following Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool. Eric Garcia refused No. 4 out of respect for Araujo Now, according to journalist Nil Sola on Que t’hi Jugues , Eric Garcia was offered the chance to wear the No. 4 shirt by Barcelona after Araujo’s departure. However, the Spanish defender turned down the opportunity out of respect for his teammate, who was also the club captain before sealing his loan move to Anfield. Eric opted to continue with #24 instead of taking #4. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) As such, Eric stayed with his previous shirt number, #24, instead of moving to No. 4, which in turn was handed to 20-year-old Farinas. Garcia is held in very high regard at Barcelona, both by the players and the coaching staff, and gestures like these highlight why he is such a popular member in the locker room. A permanent fixture in the lineup at right-back now, the 25-year-old defender has been named one of the club captains this season along with Raphinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Frenkie de Jong. No serious injury There was concern during Barcelona’s match against Valencia on Sunday after Eric had to be substituted in the first half due to an injury following a collision with teammate Rodri. No serious injury to Eric. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) However, it has since been confirmed that while the defender has a nasal fracture, the issue is not very serious, and he can continue playing while wearing a protective face mask. In fact, the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner trained normally with the team today , although he will miss the UEFA Champions League match against Feyenoord due to suspension. But, as things stand, Eric is expected to available for Barça’s next La Liga game against Levante later this week.