After losing the captaincy amid a dispute with Barcelona, the experienced goalkeeper regained the role the very next day.
The tension between the two sides has, for now, come to an end. Marc-André ter Stegen agreed to share his medical details with La Liga authorities, and Barcelona restored his captaincy. The 33-year-old was reinstated just one day after losing the armband.
On Friday, Barcelona announced that the club reversed its decision on captaincy following ter Stegen’s consent to send his surgery-related medical reports to La Liga.
“The club confirms that Marc-André ter Stegen has signed the necessary authorization allowing the submission of his medical reports to La Liga. This concludes the disciplinary process, and from this moment he is reinstated as the first-team captain.”
This agreement has relieved both parties from what had become an uncomfortable situation.
Reports about the strained relationship between ter Stegen and Barcelona had surfaced for several days. After signing goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol, Barcelona aimed to sell ter Stegen. However, the veteran goalkeeper was determined not to leave the club. His back surgery dealt a serious blow to Barcelona’s plans, effectively closing the door on a transfer or departure.
The conflict became public last Thursday when Barcelona wanted to list ter Stegen as long-term injured. According to La Liga rules, if a player is sidelined for at least four months, they qualify for the ‘long-term injury’ status. This classification allows clubs to save a significant portion (50 to 80 percent) of the player’s wages mid-season and helps with registering new players under Financial Fair Play regulations.
However, ter Stegen took to social media claiming he would be out for only three months, which meant he wouldn’t meet the long-term injury criteria. This created a situation where Barcelona couldn’t register new signings, sparking widespread discussion and frustration from the German goalkeeper.
Following this, Barcelona announced on Thursday that ter Stegen would be stripped of his captaincy until the disciplinary procedure concluded.
After the club’s hardline stance, ter Stegen posted a lengthy message on social media explaining his side. He insisted that the “three months” he mentioned referred to the minimum recovery time.
“Many things have been said about me recently, some of which are completely unfounded. I felt it was necessary to clarify my position respectfully and clearly.”
“My decision to have surgery was made in consultation with medical professionals and with full club approval. The recovery time I announced publicly was the minimum expected based on expert opinions and always coordinated with the club.”
In his 11 years at Barcelona, winning 17 trophies, the goalkeeper says he has never obstructed the registration of new players.
“I also want to make it clear that new signings and contract renewals for existing players were finalized before my surgery. Therefore, I do not believe my unfortunate injury has impacted the registration of my teammates, whom I deeply respect and look forward to sharing the dressing room with for many seasons to come.”
“My commitment to this club remains unwavering.”
Alongside signing 24-year-old Joan García, Barcelona recently renewed contracts with players like Voychek Stanski and also secured Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United. However, the club has yet to register García, Rashford, and five other players.
With little time before the new season, Barcelona will face Italian side Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy match on Sunday. Their La Liga title defense begins Saturday at Real Mallorca.
