The tears that Marc-André ter Stegen shed in his farewell game for Gladbach seem a distant memory, but his reunion with his old club promises to evoke more emotions. “I’m proud and happy for this reunion with Borussia,” said the Barcelona goalkeeper ahead of his teams away clash at Borussia-Park on Wednesday evening (20:45 CEST).
Two years after moving to Barcelona, the Germany international returns to his hometown as the Catalans’ undisputed number one – and with good memories. Before the 24 year old transferred to one of the best clubs in the world, he had spent 18 years wearing the jersey of the five-time German champions. At Gladbach, he became an established Bundesliga goalkeeper and was rewarded with a call-up to the Germany national team. “This team will always have a place in my heart, I only have positive memories of Borussia,” he said.
Gladbach also have fond memories of ter Stegen so his reception will be heart-felt. His successor, Yann Sommer, admitted before the fixture that he too is a fan of the ex-Gladbach number one. “I think very highly of him, I really admire him. He’s unbelievably strong with his feet and reads the game very well. The fact he’s established himself at Barcelona speaks for his incredible quality,” highlighted the Swiss international.
Earned No. 1 status
However, not everything went as he would have wished in his first two years in the Catalan capital. Even though he won the Champions League, he was the number two in the league behind Claudio Bravo. Ter Stegen commented earlier in the year that his situation was hard as it was "tough tough to get into a rhythm.”
This has all changed now however as Bravo has signed for Manchester City, meaning ter Stegen is the preferred choice to new Dutch signing, Jasper Cillessen. The Catalans also hinted recently at their desire to extend his contract which is set to run out in 2019, the goalkeeper’s agent, Gerd vom Bruch, also announced his willingness to agree a deal. In Spanish media, it’s reported that Bruch said his client is now in a situation, in which it’s likely his contract will be renewed.
While his national team competition, such as Ron-Robert Zieler (Leicester City) and Kevin Trapp (Paris St. Germain), have to fight to be on their clubs’ team sheets every week, ter Stegen can play at the highest level week in week out in order to impress Joachim Löw. Therefore, his promotion to number one at his club has only have improved his already high chances of being picked for Germany - as the goalkeeper was already part of his country’s European Championship squad this summer.
