Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen Addresses Injury Speculation, Captaincy Removal
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has issued a public statement addressing recent reports surrounding his back injury, surgery, and the decision by the club to strip him of the first-team captaincy.
Marc-André ter Stegen, who recently underwent surgery in late July, is currently sidelined and expected to be out of action for three months.
In a post on his social media accounts, Ter Stegen said: “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.”
Naija News reports that Barcelona announced that Ter Stegen would no longer serve as captain pending the outcome of ongoing disciplinary proceedings. In the interim, vice-captain Ronald Araujo will assume the captaincy duties.
The situation is reportedly linked to Ter Stegen’s decision to announce via social media that he will fully recover from his injury in three months, a decision which could affect Barcelona’s ability to register new players.
Under La Liga rules, a player must be ruled out for at least four months to be considered a long-term absentee, which would open up room for new signings.
Ter Stegen clarified that his decision to undergo surgery was based on professional medical advice and had the full backing of the club.
He said, “The decision to undergo surgery was made after consultation with medical professionals and fully approved by the Club, and always with the intention of prioritizing my health and long-term sporting career… I announced publicly the minimum recovery timing that I shall need, which had been communicated to me by the most reputed experts and always in coordination with the Club.”
He also rejected speculation that his injury situation was linked to Barcelona’s summer transfer activity.
“All of the Club’s signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery… Any alternative interpretation seems both unfair and inaccurate to me”, the goalkeeper asserted.
Ter Stegen reaffirmed his loyalty to the club and called for a constructive resolution: “My commitment to these colors remains absolute… I trust that, through dialogue and responsibility, we can resolve this situation constructively. I am fully willing to collaborate with the Club’s management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorization.”
Ter Stegen joined Barcelona in 2014 from Borussia Mönchengladbach and has since made over 400 appearances for the club, winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have recently signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol and secured the loan signing of England forward Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
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