Talking at a press convention earlier right now (h/t BILD), Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen acknowledged that he’s blissful on the membership however refused to rule out a future return to his homeland Germany.
Ter Stegen has been at Barcelona for a decade now, having arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summertime of 2014.
The undisputed starter in purpose for the Catalans, he additionally turned the primary captain this season following the departure of Sergi Roberto.
In the meantime, the worldwide retirement of Manuel Neuer meant that Ter Stegen is now the No. 1 in purpose for the German nationwide crew as nicely, after a decade-long wait.
On being Germany’s New No. 1Discussing his new function because the first-choice goalkeeper for Germany and the frustrations he felt over time of getting needed to work underneath the shadows of Neuer, Ter Stegen stated:
“There are all the time moments whenever you assume ‘Phew, that was one other blow’. In the long run, the choice all the time went in Manu’s favour, however I handled it professionally. It was disappointing, after all, however it’s important to dwell with it.
“You must have this expertise and settle for it. In the long run, it was price it. My teammates observed that I by no means let myself be down due to that.”
Persevering with, he added: “My intention has all the time been to be primary. Sadly, I haven’t been in a position to obtain that over the previous decade.
“I had a goalkeeper in entrance of me in Manu who had an unbelievable profession and all the time stood as much as the strain. Congratulations to him once more on his profession.”
On Hansi Flick and his membership futureTer Stegen additionally mentioned his future at Barcelona, insisting that he has a long-term deal till 2028 and that each he and his household are very blissful in Catalonia. Nevertheless, the 32-year-old left the door open for a future return to Germany, as he stated:
“I’ve a comparatively lengthy contract in Barcelona. I’m very blissful there. My household is blissful in Catalonia. I’m simply wanting ahead to the season, that’s the place my focus is.
“You by no means know what’s going to occur sooner or later. I don’t know if taking part in in Germany shall be a purpose for me once more sooner or later. We’ll see. However usually talking, I’m very proud of my state of affairs and with the place I’m in the intervening time.”
The German shot-stopper was additionally filled with reward for his compatriot and new Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick, saying:
“Excellent. He has a really clear imaginative and prescient of what he needs, what he expects from me and what he expects from me personally.
“And I believe it’s good for him that the beginning has been profitable the way in which it has been. You’ll be able to’t all the time predict that upfront. So I’m very blissful for him that issues are going the way in which they’re now. However we actually can’t loosen up due to that.”
Ter Stegen pressured that the senior gamers within the squad, together with himself, should take accountability and lead the younger crew, saying:
“Now we have a superb crew, a really, very younger crew, similar to right here, if no more excessive. So it’s in regards to the gamers we have now, whether or not it’s Lewy, me, Jules or Rapha, being able to guide and information this crew.
“And I believe Hansi is a really trustworthy individual with a really clear opinion, and I believe that basically helps us in our path.”
