On the evening of 8/8, Barca announced the end of disciplinary action against Ter Stegen and his reinstatement as team captain. A few hours earlier, the German goalkeeper had reassured fans, affirming his love for the club and refuting some conflicting reports. He is said to have signed the medical report for Barca to submit to La Liga organizers.
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Ter Stegen (green jersey) lifting the Copa del Rey with Araujo in 4/2024. Photo: EFE |
Ter Stegen (green jersey) lifting the Copa del Rey with Araujo in 4/2024. Photo: EFE
"I have deep affection for Barca, this city and the fans who have been with me for many years," Ter Stegen's statement read. "I am ready to cooperate with the management and provide the authorization as requested. Many things may have changed, but one thing never will: I love you, Culers."
Following Ter Stegen's statement, former coach Xavi immediately showed his support with a comment on social media: "Always exemplary". Xavi was a teammate of the German goalkeeper from 2014-2015 and his coach from 2021-2024.
Ter Stegen has played for Barca since 2014, winning 17 titles, including the 2015 Champions League and six La Liga titles. At the start of the 2024-2025 season, he became captain. However, after rupturing his patellar tendon in 9/2024, the German goalkeeper missed most of the season and was no longer the first choice. Coach Hansi Flick placed more faith in Wojciech Szczesny, the goalkeeper who helped Barca win three titles since the beginning of the year, and Joan Garcia, newly acquired from Espanyol for 30 million USD.
This summer, Barca wanted Ter Stegen to find a new club. However, the situation quickly led to conflict. The German goalkeeper reportedly underwent surgery for a back injury on his own and faced a long-term absence, hindering a transfer. He even refused to sign the medical report, a document Barca had to submit to La Liga organizers to assess his recovery time. If Ter Stegen's absence extended to five months, Barca could use up to 80% of his salary allowance to register Szczesny, Garcia and other players. But a delay in submitting the medical report could sideline these players until another solution was found.
Faced with Ter Stegen's lack of cooperation, Barca decided to open disciplinary proceedings and temporarily strip him of the captaincy. Initially, the management appointed first vice-captain Ronald Araujo as acting captain. Later, the players would elect the official captain.
On 10/8, Barca will compete in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy friendly against Como. Traditionally, the Barca captain gives a speech before kickoff. It is currently unclear whether Ter Stegen or Araujo will perform this duty.
Thanh Quy (according to MD)
