National team goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has bid an emotional farewell to FC Girona, while keeping his own future open. He expressed his gratitude for the welcome he received during his short time at the club, despite his on-field participation being significantly shorter than hoped.
«Girona, thank you for these months. Even though my time on the field was much shorter than we all wished for, I am very grateful for how you welcomed me from day one. It was an honor to be part of this family,» the 34-year-old wrote on Instagram.
Ter Stegen joined Girona from FC Barcelona in January, seeking match practice in hopes of securing a spot in the World Cup. However, he suffered a severe thigh injury after just two games, witnessing the club’s relegation from Spain’s La Liga from the sidelines.
«The end was not what we wanted, but I am convinced that this club has the strength, the identity, and the people to return to where it belongs very soon: the top division,» ter Stegen stated, wishing the club «all the best for the future from the bottom of my heart.»
The goalkeeper’s own path forward remains unclear. Ter Stegen is under contract with FC Barcelona until 2028. However, it is reported that the Catalans, under coach Hansi Flick, are not planning with the German goalkeeper, who is said to be among their highest earners.
The newspaper Mundo Deportivo has already labeled ter Stegen as a «hot potato» for Barcelona, with the club reportedly anticipating difficulties in finding a buyer for him.
English Translation:
«The End Was Not What We Wanted»: Emotional Message from Marc-Andre ter Stegen on Instagram
National team goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has said an emotional goodbye to FC Girona – but has left his own future further open.
‘Girona, thank you for these months. Even though my time on the field was much shorter than we all wished for, (…) I am very grateful for how you welcomed me from day one. It was an honor to be part of this family,’ wrote the 34-year-old on Instagram.
Ter Stegen had moved from FC Barcelona to Girona in January to gain match practice for an hoped-for World Cup participation, but suffered a serious thigh injury after two games. He therefore experienced the club’s relegation from the Spanish La Liga helplessly.
‘The end was not what we wanted, but I am convinced that this club has the strength, the identity and the people to return to where it belongs very soon: the top division,’ ter Stegen said, wishing ‘all the best for the future from the bottom of my heart.’
It remains unclear what will happen with him. Ter Stegen has a contract with FC Barcelona until 2028. The Catalans under coach Hansi Flick, for whom the German goalkeeper is said to be one of the top earners, are likely no longer planning with him.
The newspaper Mundo Deportivo has already described ter Stegen as a ‘hot potato’ for Barcelona. It was said that the club assumed it would not be easy to find a buyer for ter Stegen.