Marc-Andre ter Stegen Declares Peace: Barcelona Goalkeeper Ends Internal 'War' with Bold Statement
In the messy conflict between Barcelona's management and club captain Marc-André ter Stegen, it was the German shot-stopper who set aside his ego to end what had become an increasingly embarrassing situation.
The dispute between Ter Stegen and the club he has represented for over a decade began with a back problem he sustained during international service in June. The 33-year-old required surgery for this persistent condition and was subsequently ruled out for an extended duration.
Barcelona maintained that Ter Stegen would be unavailable for no less than four months, which would create an opportunity within La Liga's rigid financial rules to permit the club to register newly signed keeper Joan García. However, the current captain initially insisted he would return within three months and then declined to authorize the release of his medical documentation, thus blocking the league from evaluating his injury's extent. As numerous Spanish media outlets frantically reported, hostilities had erupted.
Ter Stegen was immediately relieved of his captaincy and faced disciplinary action. As supporters started to oppose the apparently defiant goalkeeper, he was compelled to publicly calm the situation with a declaration confirming he would approve the disclosure of his medical information.
Having cornered their own player, Barcelona restored Ter Stegen's captain's armband. The six-time La Liga winner remained on uncertain terms with portions of the supporter base and received a notably lukewarm welcome when he took the microphone at the club's preseason match against Como on Sunday. By the conclusion of his heartfelt address, the audience was standing and cheering.
"For me, personally, it has been crucial to settle the matter between the club and myself, and now it's time to move ahead," Ter Stegen, who was sporting the No. 1 jersey which had been removed from him during preseason, addressed the supporters.
"We're all extremely enthusiastic for this season to begin; it will be a very challenging campaign. We have new additions, one quite recognizable one, in Tek [Wojciech Szczęsny]. I want to offer them my backing. With these acquisitions, we're going to be improved, more powerful... and I'm confident they'll integrate very well with this dressing room."
"We must continue working," Ter Stegen went on, "there are elements to enhance, as usual, and we will compete once more for all the silverware. And, with your assistance, we hope to claim all the titles available. Thanks to Hansi [Flick] and his team for their excellent efforts. As supporters, we truly appreciated it, as did I, who was in that situation for an extended period due to injury, with thrilling football. We have a roster with tremendous character, with tremendous passion on and off the field, and we hope to achieve success."
"I adore you, culers," he finished to growing applause, "long live Barça and long live Catalonia."