Alejandro Garnacho said he is "happy to be enjoying football again" after making his Aston Villa debut, in an Instagram post that was widely seen as a swipe at parent club Chelsea.
The 22-year-old winger started Saturday's 3-1 pre-season win over the Indonesia All Stars and played the first half as Villa established a 2-0 lead before being substituted at half-time.
Instagram message after debut
Garnacho did not score at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, but shared a picture from the game with the message: "See you soon Bangkok! First start after three months. Happy to be enjoying football again. One per cent every day. Thanks Indonesia."
The Argentina international joined Villa on loan in a deal expected to become permanent. He is looking for another fresh start less than a year after joining Chelsea from Manchester United, with the post widely read as pointing out his reduced role at the Blues, who still own him.
Emery's verdict on Garnacho
Villa moved for Garnacho after selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, with Unai Emery identifying the winger as a key addition to his attacking options.
Speaking when the move was confirmed, Emery said: "We are delighted with Alejandro. He is so talented, young, and he showed us his wish to help our project. We are really happy."
