Marc-Andre Ter Stegen sends emotional message as he leaves Barcelona | OneFootball

FC Barcelona fans and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen have not had the best of relationships in recent years, but there is no questioning that the German goalkeeper had his moments in a Blaugrana jersey until a few seasons ago.

For example, in Barcelona’s La Liga-winning season under Xavi Hernandez, built on a rock-solid defence, Ter Stegen was close to unbeatable in goal. He produced many memorable moments throughout that campaign.

However, there were negatives as well. When it mattered most on big Champions League nights, the club captain did not step up to become a decisive factor. This, coupled with his injuries, has prompted Barcelona to look elsewhere.

Yesterday, the club issued an official statement revealing that Ter Stegen had agreed to join Girona on loan until the end of the season. Shortly after, the German took to his social media account (X) to post an emotional farewell message. It read:

“Today is my last day this season with my teammates and the staff at FC Barcelona, and I truly have mixed feelings.

So many memories and emotions are running through me right now. For nearly 12 years, this club, and especially this locker room, has been my home. A place where I’ve grown as a player and as a person, and where I’ve lived unforgettable moments.

I feel deeply grateful and proud. I love this club, this city, and this region. They carry a feeling inside me that will never fade. Your support over all these years has been incredible, thank you from my heart.

To the locker room: thank you for so many years shared, for the daily life together, the laughs, the battles, and the respect. I carry you with me. I’ve had the immense honor of wearing the captain’s armband, something I will carry with me forever.

Now my journey continues in Catalunya, and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and hope to see many more trophies lifted.

See you soon.💙❤️”

Like Ter Stegen, this evokes mixed feelings for Barcelona fans. Although the relationship has soured in recent seasons, that should not lead us to discount the good moments across the journey.

Now, as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen continues his career at Girona, all we can do is wish him the very best. Of course, this is not a clean break but a loan, and we may have to go through this again in the summer, but that is a problem for the future.

For now, let us hope the club captain enjoys a strong loan spell at Girona and nails down his berth in the German national team.