Goalkeeper found it difficult to leave Barcelona but is eager to play at his highest level with Girona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen says it was difficult to say goodbye at Barcelona after joining Girona on loan.
The German goalkeeper lost his place in the starting XI last season after he suffered a knee injury that kept him out for seven months.
He was replaced by 35-year-old veteran Wojciech Szczesny and in the summer Barcelona signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol. The 24-year-old has since claimed the No 1 shirt and held onto it with superb performances.
Ter Stegen also suffered another injury last year that kept him out for the first half of the season. The German said he tried his best to get back “as soon as possible” and reclaim the shirt, but it was difficult to dislodge Garcia.
“I trained hard to achieve that, but you have to respect the manager’s decision, and I did,” said Ter Stegen. “They opted for Joan, who is doing a great job, and I respect that. We always had a good relationship, even if you all want to believe otherwise.
“The competition between us was very healthy. I wanted consistent playing time, and in the end, that’s what I was looking for. I have to say that I have personal goals; I want consistent playing time, and that’s my objective now.”
The 33-year-old was warned by the German national team that if he wanted a starting spot in the 2026 World Cup he would need regular game time. Ter Stegen played only one game for Barcelona this season, in the Copa del Rey against Guadalajara.
After being benched in the next round of the competition against second-division side Racing Santander, he was finally convinced he needed to find playing time elsewhere.
“Saying goodbye was very hard, I still find it difficult to talk about it,” the German said. “The Barcelona dressing room is spectacular, I really enjoyed being with my teammates.
“It’s a big change, after 11 years at the club. I was Barcelona’s captain and tried to represent them at a high level. But arriving here has been very pleasant.”
Girona are 11th in La Liga and have won four of their last five games. Ter Stegen has joined only for six months and will need to make a decision about his future again in the summer, but he is eager to put the work in for the Catalan club the rest of the season.
“It’s been wonderful, and the way I’ve been welcomed here in the dressing room, along with the manager, is something truly special,” Ter Stegen said.
“I want to contribute and give my best to celebrate many victories with this club. If I go to a club, it’s to compete at the highest level against everyone and always win.”
