At FC Barcelona, drama has overcome the dressing room ahead of the new season, especially after the club announced that Marc-Andre Ter Stegen would no longer be the team captain. The German goalkeeper has been criticized by many fans due to his mistakes, and with a recent injury, fans hoped for the keeper to stay out of Hansi Flick’s plans for next season.
Part of the club statement read, “Decision follows disciplinary proceedings opened against Marc-André Ter Stegen. During this period, the duties of first captain will be assumed by the current vice-captain, Ronald Araújo“.
Barcelona fans are excited about new signing Joan Garcia, who has thrived at Espanyol last season, but his registration is a concern ahead of the new season.
Reports in Spain suggested that, to register Garcia and Marcus Rashford, Ter Stegen’s injury could open the door to register the new signings with the German keeper’s medical report. Reports suggested that Ter Stegen refused.
Many assumed that tensions grew between Ter Stegen and Barcelona, but his latest statement clears it up.
On his Instagram, Ter Stegen expressed his feelings about the injury and the reports made against him through several media outlets in Spain.
He mentions his love for the club and that the signings Barcelona made were done before he had surgery for his lower back.
Ter Stegen: “These past few months have been particularly difficult for me, both physically and personally. Like any player, after suffering an injury, my sole priority has always been to return to the pitch as soon as possible, motivated only by the desire to help the team and do what I love most: compete…I would also like to clarify – in light of certain speculation – that all of the Club’s signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery, and therefore, at no point could I consider that my unfortunate circumstances with the new surgery I had to undergo would be necessary for the registration of other colleagues whom I greatly respect and look forward to share locker room with for many seasons. Any alternative interpretation seems both unfair and inaccurate to me.”
Ter Stegen avoids growing tension with the club as he mentions he is willing to cooperate with the club in solving issues like his role in the squad. Some Barcelona fans have felt bad about their treatment towards the player but others remain firm in wanting Ter Stegen out of the club.
His statement was liked by former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, who also commented with, “Always Exemplary”. An hour later, the former Barcelona manager deleted the comment.
