Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the captain of FC Barcelona and their primary goalkeeper, has finally addressed persistent rumors circulating about his future at the club. Speculation has suggested that the Catalan giants are considering replacing him with a younger talent, notably Espanyol’s promising goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Despite the swirling reports, the German international remains unfazed. During a recent press conference, Ter Stegen confidently assured the media that he is not losing sleep over the potential changes and is fully committed to his role at Barcelona.
“Does the speculation about the club wanting to sell me bother me? Not at all. No one has approached me about such a move, so I have no reason to worry,” he stated with conviction. “I am certain I will be part of Barcelona next season.”
Maintaining Calm Amid Uncertainty
While reports indicate that Barcelona might be planning to invest in Joan Garcia as their future first-choice goalkeeper, Ter Stegen remains composed. The 33-year-old, whose contract runs until 2028, sees no immediate reason to panic or consider a departure.
“I haven’t been in contact with Hansi Flick recently, nor has there been any communication in the past few days,” he clarified. “There’s no pressing issue that warrants a discussion at this moment.”
Ter Stegen also emphasized that any new signing would need to earn their place through performance. “If I continue to perform well-as I believe I have in recent seasons-and if nothing urgent has arisen lately, then I see myself competing alongside Inaki in goal for the upcoming campaign,” he explained.
“Generally, the competition is always present at Barcelona. Regardless of circumstances, it’s part of the club’s culture to foster healthy rivalry. That’s what keeps the team motivated and striving for excellence,” he added.
Dedication to Excellence and Team Growth
While Ter Stegen did not directly mention Joan Garcia, he touched on the broader philosophy of squad development and the importance of continuous improvement.
“Our goal is always to bring in the best possible players, whether they are goalkeepers or in other positions. For me, it’s about giving my best every time I step onto the pitch,” he affirmed.
Despite Barcelona’s strategic push to rejuvenate their squad and the potential long-term role for Garcia, Ter Stegen is not contemplating stepping aside. His focus remains on maintaining top performance levels.
“I believe I’ve performed well over recent years, and I will continue to work hard to stay on the field,” he said. “This challenge is part of the game, and I embrace it. Barcelona is one of the world’s top clubs, and competition is a natural aspect of our environment.”
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, questions arose about whether Ter Stegen might consider leaving Barcelona if he were to lose his starting spot. However, the goalkeeper has reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about competition. That’s how it’s always been here. I’ve faced top goalkeepers before, and I plan to do the same now,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
