National soccer goalkeeper Ter Stegen is moving from Barça to Girona

Ter Stegen: “I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead of me”

Ter Stegen spoke up on Instagram in an emotional post: “I am deeply grateful and proud. I love this club, this city and this region. You have awakened a feeling in me that will never fade. Your support over the years has been incredible, I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” wrote the 33-year-old.

He will always carry in his heart the fact that he wore the captain’s armband. Finally, he turned his attention to Girona. “Now my journey in Catalonia continues and I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.”

A few hours earlier, Barcelona’s German coach Hansi Flick had spoken about the upcoming change. “This morning Marc told us that he was going to Girona,” he said at the press conference before Barça’s Champions League game at Slavia Prague – and then found words of appreciation. “Marc is a fantastic goalkeeper. We made a different decision for the future and I think it was the right decision. But I wish him all the best.”

This also includes appearances in the DFB team: “Maybe we’ll see him in the German national team at the World Cup. Fingers crossed for that. I think he has a good chance,” said Flick.

Girona coach Míchel had already raved about Ter Stegen before the transfer was officially announced. “He’s a top player. Which club wouldn’t like to have a goalkeeper like Ter Stegen?” said the coach about the 33-year-old. After the transfer was announced, Girona posted a video of the goalkeeper’s saves on Instagram – the title: “It’s not magic, it’s Ter Stegen.”

That’s why ter Stegen didn’t have a chance at FC Barcelona recently

After recovering from back surgery, Ter Stegen was recently back in goal for FC Barcelona for the first time in around seven months in the cup against third division club CD Guadalajara. Coach Hansi Flick immediately made it clear that Joan Garcia, who was signed in the summer for 25 million euros, would remain number one for the Catalans.

The financially struggling club would have been happy with Ter Stegen’s departure in the summer in order to save on the high salary of their long-time goalkeeper. Especially since the Catalans have another experienced goalkeeper in their ranks in the Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny. Ter Stegen still has a well-paid contract until 2028.

In the meantime, the player and the club were at loggerheads because Ter Stegen refused to give his consent for the club to forward the medical report after his operation to the league. The club wanted to gain financial flexibility. In the end, both sides settled the dispute.

National coach Julian Nagelsmann demanded a regular place

A change was virtually inevitable for Ter Stegen in order to be number one at the World Cup. National coach Julian Nagelsmann recently emphasized: “Marc either has to assert himself in Barcelona or find a club where he can play.”

Especially since ter Stegen’s representative in the DFB team, Oliver Baumann, was able to impress in the successful World Cup qualification in recent months. A possible comeback by Manuel Neuer was also discussed again and again, at least in the media.

For a long time, Ter Stegen seemed to be the ideal choice in Barcelona. After his arrival over eleven years ago, he was praised even by stars like Lionel Messi for his footballing skills. And success came straight away: in 2015, ter Stegen already held the Champions League trophy in his hands. (dpa)