Rubén Blanco Joins Girona as New Goalkeeper

omidbasir- The newly appointed goalkeeper for Girona, Rubén Blanco, was introduced to the media shortly after his transfer to the club was confirmed. Blanco arrives as a free agent following the termination of his contract with Olympique de Marseille in January. He has signed on until the end of the season at the minimum stipulated salary.

The Galician native expressed excitement regarding this new opportunity, transitioning from his experiences at Celta, where he developed his career, and Marseille, where he played a limited role since joining in the summer of 2023.

Blanco is set to compete for the starting goalkeeper position, despite a lack of playing time—he has not appeared in a match since February 18, 2024. He emphasizes the importance of respecting his teammates and contributing to the team’s goals, regardless of his playing status.

Regarding his current condition, Blanco stated, “I feel good. Although I haven’t played in a while, I have been training regularly and am prepared to contribute from day one.”

On the negotiations, he noted, “It all happened very quickly. After my contract was terminated in January, I was training at home without a team dynamic. It’s not pleasant when a fellow professional is injured, and I hope Ter Stegen recovers swiftly. Girona has always caught my attention, and the process has been seamless.”

When discussing his role, he added, “Being a goalkeeper is unique; we are a bit different as we might not participate in every match. Everyone experiences ups and downs, and while I am coming off a less favorable period, I always strive to help in whatever way I can. I have been supporting the locker room, competing, and training to be available for the coach.”

Reflecting on his initial days at Girona, he mentioned, “I was with Ounahi at Marseille and Fran Beltrán at Celta. The early impressions have been positive; the group radiates wonderful and positive energy. The coaching staff is impressive, and it’s clear there is a solid project at Girona.”

Blanco prefers to maintain low expectations, stating, “I like not having expectations—everything that comes my way is a surprise, and that makes it more enjoyable. I’m here to help, contribute, and do my part in achieving our goals.”

Addressing his competition for the position, he remarked, “I’m not sure if I’m at a disadvantage due to Ter Stegen’s injury, with Gazzaniga and Vlad also available. Healthy competition will foster better training standards for Girona. Each player has personal goals that should align with the team’s objectives. I’m here to respect my teammates and fight for my place.”

On the team’s current state, he shared, “It’s still early, but we are approaching a crucial phase of the season. I see the team performing well, full of energy, and with a positive locker room atmosphere. All conditions are in place for favorable results.”

Discussing his playing style, he noted, “I’m drawn to Girona as a team that values possession. I enjoy playing as a goalkeeper who is involved, but we must also remember our primary role, which is to stop goals. I consider myself well-rounded; I enjoy being on the ball while also supporting the team defensively.”

Regarding other options, he confirmed, “I’ve signed until the end of the season. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to come here, and I’m thrilled about it. I didn’t hesitate, and neither did my family.”