Ryder Cup 2018: Thomas Bjorn hails Sergio Garcia as 'heartbeat' of Europe following wildcard pick
Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn has hailed Sergio Garcia as the 'heartbeat' of the European team as he showed faith in the Spaniard, picking him as part of his 12-man team.
Bjorn named four experienced players as his wildcard picks with Ian Poulter, Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson getting the nod over the likes of Thomas Pieters, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Matt Wallace.
Garcia, a veteran of eight Ryder Cups, will become the first man to play in the biennial match having missed the cut at all four of the preceding major championships - but despite his form, Bjorn has shown faith.
"He's the heartbeat of the team," Bjorn said when asked about Garcia's selection. "It's like a football team going in without their captain.
In Pictures | Europe Ryder Cup team
"Not only is he a fantastic player, but what he also brings is he makes everyone around him better. He is what's great about the European team room.
"We've got five great rookies, but you need people who have been through it and done it all, positively and negatively."
Following the announcement, Garcia tweeted: "So excited to be part of another Ryder Cup and Team Europe! Can't wait for Paris!"
