Aston Villa January signing outlines his dreams after 'surprise' move

The 22-year-old right-back has made seven appearances for Unai Emery’s team, including four Premier League starts, since being plucked from Levante in the Spanish Second Division during the January transfer window.

Garcia had never made a top flight appearance before joining Villa but his efforts have been rewarded with a first call-up to the Spain under-21 squad for their matches against Germany and the Czech Republic.

He is now eager to keep building after a whirlwind few weeks.

Speaking about the move to Villa with Spanish newspaper Marca, Garcia said: “It was an opportunity. I was with my parents when they called me and told me it could happen. It’s a situation that surprised me a lot.

"But I could feel that a dream of being able to play in the Premier League and in a team of that calibre was coming true, so I’m taking advantage of it.

“Football is about living the moments, taking advantage of them and having a bit of luck. As soon as you arrive at the facilities you realise the seriousness of the club and how it is organised. You notice the level and quality from the first day.”

The £6million signing of Garcia, a product of Levante’s academy, was comfortably Villa’s lowest profile deal of a transfer window which also saw them recruit Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford on loan from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively. 

But he has made an important contribution, bringing valuable depth in his position at a time when Villa’s only recognised senior right-back, Matty Cash, was absent with injury.

Garcia’s starts have included FA Cup wins over Tottenham and Cardiff, though he has not been involved in Villa’s Champions League campaign with the club only able to add three of their five window signings to the squad for that competition. Winger Donyell Malen, a £21million arrival from Borussia Dortmund, was the other player to miss out.

Garcia’s attitude has received praise from Villa boss Emery, who said he was “optimistic” about the player’s ability to make a big contribution.

Having now earned international recognition with his under-21 call-up, Garcia is continuing to think big.

He said: “My life has been based on fighting for my dream. Visualising it and making it come true. 

“One day you can be down and another up, that’s what football is about, so I am continuing to enjoy this wonderful world.

“I’m focused on enjoying the experience with Unai, who is helping me a lot, of being able to improve every day and take advantage of the moment in the Premier because it’s the best league in the world.

"Who knows what the future will bring, representing my country would be one of my greatest dreams.”

Spain under-21s first face the Czech Republic in a European Championship qualifier on Friday, before facing Germany next Tuesday.