German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen during his presentation as a new FC Barcelona player yesterday. (EPA)
German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said yesterday he was “very happy” to have joined Barcelona, as the Spanish giants presented him to the media.
Ter Stegen, 22, has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona after leaving his hometown club Borussia Moenchengladbach for a reported fee of 12 million euros (16.4 million dollars).
“I am very happy to have joined this club and delighted with the confidence they have placed in me. Barca is a fantastic club, there was never any other option for me,” ter Stegen said.
To the delight of the Spanish media, he then spoke his first words in Spanish: “It is important for me to speak Spanish here. Thank you for such a warm reception. I am very happy to be here and I hope to be successful with Barca.”
He will replace veteran Victor Valdes, who has left Barca after 11 years as first-choice goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen was described by Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta - himself a former international goalkeeper - as a “rapid, agile goalkeeper, who is good both in the air and on the ground”.
“He plays well with his feet, and he still has room to improve...I am sure he will be a great success here.”
Ter Stegen is the first newcomer in Barca’s rebuilding process under new coach Luis Enrique, after a trophyless season under Gerardo Martino.