Madrid-born Alejandro Garnacho has been mocked by the Spanish press for adopting a ‘fake Argentinian accent’ in an interview explaining why he rejected his homeland for World Cup winners
- Garnacho spent his childhood in Madrid before moving to Manchester in 2020
- The youngster was recently called up for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad
- Spanish media have claimed Garnacho is acquiring an accent with ‘breakneck speed’
Madrid-born Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has been slammed by the Spanish media for a ‘fake’ Argentinian accent, after moving from his native country to World Cup winners.
The 18-year-old spent his entire life in Spain, playing in Atletico Madrid’s youth system before joining the Manchester United academy in October 2020.
He also made three appearances for the Spain under-18 team in 2021, but now aims to represent Argentina, where his mother’s side of the family hails from.
The exciting youngster, who was first called up to Lionel Scaloni’s squad for their two World Cup qualifiers in March this year, decided the chance to play with the World Cup winning side was an offer he couldn’t turn down.
However, he recently explained his decision to do so in an interview with the Argentine publication TyC Sports has annoyed the Spanish media – with Marka questions the authenticity of his Argentinian accent.
Argentines Alejandro Garnacho (left) and World Cup winning teammate Lisandro Martinez (right) celebrate winning the League Cup trophy this season
The ‘accent’ of Madrid-born Garnacho has been questioned by the Spanish media, claiming that ‘Garnacho from Madrid is rapidly adopting the Argentinian accent’.
Garnacho – who was called up to the first team by Lionel Scaloni in March – joined his Argentina teammates in training for their international friendlies this month.
In a scathing statement, they state that ‘Garnacho from Madrid is rapidly adopting the Argentinian accent’.
Speaking to TyC Sports, Garnacho explained that the reason he plays for Argentina instead of Spain is mainly due to his mother.
‘My mother’s whole family is from Argentina and my father’s family is from Spain.
“I have always felt very close to my mother’s family and as a child we supported the Argentina national team.
“I had no doubts because I feel Argentinian, I am Argentinian,” he said.
Garnacho also explained what his relationship with teammate and compatriot Lisandro Martinez was like, describing him as “like a father” to him in Manchester.
“He helps me a lot and tells me when I’m doing it right, and when I’m doing it wrong,” he said of the popular defender.
Garnacho was also particularly impressed by sharing the stage with Lionel Messi, saying: “I haven’t seen him on TV in my whole life and now I have him here, it’s unbelievable, it seems unreal.”
Garnacho described the special bond he has with Martinez, saying the World Cup winning defender was “like a father” to him.
The 18-year-old recently signed a five-year contract to stay at Old Trafford until June 2028.
He has had an impressive 2022-23 season with the Reds, making his senior debut for the team against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on 27 October 2022.
His standout moments include a dramatic 93rd minute winner as they won 2-1 at Fulham in the Premier League before the World Cup break last November and Marcus Rashford’s decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the derby. in January.
Despite missing out on the Under 20 World Cup as Erik ten Hag required his services at the end of the season, Garnacho recently signed a new five-year contract with the Reds keeping him at the club until June 2028.
Both Garnacho and Martinez have been two of Manchester United’s most popular developments this season and Argentina’s flags fly regularly at Old Trafford.