Jordi Amat, who has joined Swansea City for the next four seasons, says Espanyol will always be his home.
The 21-year-old central defender spent last term on loan at Rayo Vallecano, having joined Espanyol aged nine and progressing through the club’s youth academy.
However, Amat went to Cornella El-Prat on Monday morning accompanied by his agent, father and girlfriend, where he insisted that the Barcelona club would always be home to him.
“Espanyol will always be my home. This transfer is one that benefits all parties and I’ve had 12 unforgettable years here,” he told reporters.
“I want to thank everybody at the club, not forgetting anyone. It was a difficult decision but I now face a new era and Espanyol have treated me fantastically.
“On a personal level the opportunity to play in the Premier League is very attractive. Swansea made me an offer I couldn’t turn down and the €3m fee is a lot of money in times of crisis.”
Espanyol President Joan Collet reiterated Amat’s opinion that it was good business for the cash-strapped club.
“Hopefully this is not a farewell forever. If we look at the sporting side of things then it can’t be evaluated, but economically it is very good for us.
“Jordi is one of our own and the door at Espanyol will always be open to him,” he added.
