Barcelona have reinstated Marc-André ter Stegen as first-team captain, drawing a line under a brief but highly publicised disciplinary dispute with the German goalkeeper.
The saga began when Ter Stegen declined to authorise Barça’s medical department to submit his post-surgery report to La Liga a requirement under the league’s strict financial controls. Without the documentation, the club risked complications in registering new players, with league rules allowing 80 per cent of a long-term injured player’s wages to be freed up for reinforcements if the absence exceeds four months.
That refusal prompted the club to strip him of the armband and open formal proceedings. In the background, speculation swirled that his unavailability might have enabled Barcelona to bring in the likes of goalkeeper Joan García.
Ter Stegen broke his silence with a lengthy and conciliatory statement, reaffirming his dedication to the club and dismissing suggestions that his injury had any link to summer transfer dealings. “All of the club’s signings and renewals were completed before my surgery,” he insisted, labelling contrary claims as “unfair and inaccurate”. He stressed that his only focus during recovery was returning to the pitch and that the operation had been agreed in full consultation with the club’s medical staff.
His tone was respectful yet pointed, expressing affection for Barcelona, the city, and its supporters, while calling for dialogue to ease tensions. Crucially, he confirmed his willingness to grant the authorisation La Liga required.
Barcelona later confirmed that the paperwork had been signed, the disciplinary file closed, and Ter Stegen reinstated as skipper with immediate effect. “The player recovers the captaincy of the first team,” read the club’s statement.
Since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, Ter Stegen has made 422 appearances for Barça, lifting six La Liga titles, a Champions League crown, and numerous domestic cups. His return as captain not only restores stability within the dressing room but also underlines his enduring importance to the Catalan giants as they chase further silverware.
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