Former Barcelona star on summer exit – “Left with a bitter feeling”

There were many players that left Barcelona during the 2025 summer transfer window, with one of them being Inaki Pena. The 26-year-old had been relegated to fourth-choice goalkeeper after the arrival of Joan Garcia, which is why it was decided that he could depart on a season-long loan.

Pena joined Elche, where he has played twice in recent weeks. And after being presented to the media by the La Liga side on Wednesday, he spoke on his situation during the summer. As per Sport, he admitted that he left unwanted at Barcelona, given that he was dropped from the side during the second half of last season.

“I played 25 or 26 games, but I was left with a bitter feeling of not playing for the last few months. Barcelona asked me to wait for the goalkeepers to be registered and, obviously, they were going to make it easy because I have a contract, but I needed to add as many games as possible and have continuity, which is what has been missing these years to make the leap.”

Pena reveals why he chose Elche over other interested clubs

Pena also explained why he chose to join Elche, despite it having been reported that a number of more established clubs were also showing interest in his services when it became known that he would be leaving Barcelona.

“He knows what I can give and I know what he wants from me. I spoke to him quite a few times in the summer, but Barcelona wouldn’t let me leave until they registered the goalkeepers. But he gave me confidence and told me that they were waiting for me, something that not all clubs do.”

Pena will be hoping to prove himself at Elche, who have been the surprise package of the season so far. The Alicante club are currently fourth, and alongside Barcelona, they are the only unbeaten sides left in La Liga.