Zaragoza discussed his career and current situation at Espanyol during an interview with Cadena SER, including his previous links with Barcelona and his experience in Germany.
“There was a possibility that I could have signed for Barcelona. There were contacts,” Zaragoza said.
The 24-year-old became widely known after his standout performance for Granada against Barcelona, a match in which he scored twice in a 2-2 draw in October 2023.
“There are people who say I’m only a footballer because of that match,” Zaragoza said. “I was a player nobody knew, and there aren’t many people who can produce a performance like that against Barcelona.”
Zaragoza subsequently made the move to Bayern Munich, although his time away from Spain proved challenging.
“I think the last few years have been difficult for me. I haven’t been able to settle anywhere,” he said.
The winger does not regret taking the opportunity to join Bayern, however, describing it as an important stage in his development.
“I don’t regret going to Bayern Munich. It was an important step.”
Zaragoza was only 20 when he arrived at the German club and found himself sharing a dressing room with some of Europe's biggest names.
“I sat at the table and thought I was in FIFA. I was looking at Neuer, Kimmich... I’d come from playing in the neighbourhood,” he said.
The adjustment was complicated by the move away from his familiar surroundings and the competition for places at Bayern.
“It was a very difficult step. I was 20, I had never left my comfort zone, then there was the language, the climate... And coming into a team at that level with Musiala, Coman and Gnabry in my position was not easy.”
Despite those difficulties, Zaragoza believes the experience helped him grow.
“It taught me a lot. I will never regret it.”
His return to Spain with Espanyol has given Zaragoza an opportunity to find greater stability, with the player acknowledging that making the move was not straightforward financially.
“It’s also true that it isn’t easy to come to Spain on my salary, but we found a good opportunity for both the club and me,” he said. “I’ve had to make an effort, and the club has made a huge effort too.”
Zaragoza said his priority is now to find an environment in which he can enjoy his football.
“I want to be somewhere I can be happy and enjoy myself. When I enjoy myself, that’s when I perform.”
He also defended the quality of Spanish football, arguing that it does not always receive the recognition it deserves.
“I don’t think we give Spanish football the credit it deserves. Other leagues have more money, but Spain has an abundance of quality.”
Zaragoza believes the emphasis on physicality outside Spain can also make adapting to other leagues more difficult.
“The best players in the world are Spanish. I find it harder to play abroad because there is much more emphasis on physicality. It’s different — there is more football and quality in Spain.”
At Espanyol, Zaragoza is now focused on rebuilding his consistency and enjoying his football again.
“The first challenge is to focus and be happy, and everything follows from there. When I’m happy and enjoying myself, that’s when I perform.”
“I'm getting better and better,” he added.
Zaragoza also spoke warmly about his friendship with Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, saying the pair have spent holidays together and developed a close relationship through the Spain setup.