Ter Stegen feels he is the victim of a smear campaign by Barcelona; met with teammates today | OneFootball

Earlier today, Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen visited the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training facilities amid escalating tensions between the goalkeeper and the club.

His visit came as a surprise during the team’s return to training following the Asian tour. The German goalkeeper, recovering from back surgery, was not expected to return this early, especially at a time when the club is considering stripping him of the captaincy.

Ter Stegen believes Barcelona are targeting him

Now, according to Catalunya Radio, Ter Stegen believes he is ‘the victim of a smear campaign’ by Barcelona.

The player’s entourage once again made it clear that he has no intention of signing the medical report that Barça are asking him to, so that they can use his injury-enforced absence to register Joan Garcia.

Ter Stegen’s camp claims that signing the club’s document would make him “complicit in a trap,” something he refuses to do.

In his previous back operation, Ter Stegen was sidelined for just 66 days, and he now insists that, according to his own medical report, his current injury is not long-term.

Ter Stegen is at war with Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The 33-year-old veteran is frustrated that Barcelona have turned supporters against him and damaged his public image. He is also disappointed that no one from the club has contacted him in recent weeks to discuss any scenario, including a potential exit.

What about captaincy?

Regarding the issue of the captaincy, Ter Stegen has not been informed of any decisions or discussions. Therefore, unless he is told otherwise, he intends to be present for Sunday’s Gamper Trophy match.

During his visit today, which lasted over an hour, the German international did not meet with manager Hansi Flick. However, he is understood to have spoken to his teammates, which is certainly interesting given the situation surrounding his captaincy.

Club president Joan Laporta and the board, supported by Flick, have expressed frustration over the entire situation surrounding Ter Stegen.

After all, his refusal to authorise the transfer of his medical report to La Liga’s Medical Commission has disrupted Barcelona’s plans.

Under La Liga rules, clubs can use up to 80% of a player’s salary for registrations if that player is ruled out for at least four months. This mechanism was intended to help the club register signings such as Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

Ter Stegen’s visit to the training ground does not appear to have helped resolve the standoff.