Barcelona’s “?Marc-Andre ter Stegen has said it will be a ‘special moment’ for him as he returns to Borussia Monchengladbach for the first time in two years.
The German goalkeeper revealed that, despite looking forward to returning to his old stomping ground in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter, “?he was focused solely on picking up all three points for his current employers.
Ter Stegen joined Monchengladbach as a 4-year-old and spent 18 years at the club before leaving to join the Catalan giants in 2014.
Ter Stegen looking forward to “?special’ homecoming: https://t.co/FBLsQAwIjq #BorussiaFCB #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/O1Fey92liJ
Speaking ahead of the match against his former side, the 24-year-old said the opportunity to join the Camp Nou-based outfit was one he couldn’t afford to turn down.
He said:”When you leave a club you’ve spent 18 years at it is because you want to play for a team where you can win as many titles as possible and with Barcelona I have the chance to do that.
“It will be a special moment [to return], something I want to enjoy, but I have already said I’m focused 100 percent on winning the game.”
Ter Stegen was also quizzed on finally becoming Barcelona’s undisputed number one after the departure of Claudio Bravo.
The pair were in competition with one another for regular game time at Barcelona before Bravo joined former boss Pep Guardiola at Manchester City at the end of August.
Ter Stegen revealed that, whilst he had a good relationship with Bravo during the duo’s time together in Spain, he was relieved to have the opportunity to showcase his talents at one of the world’s most famous clubs.
He added: “I always had a good relationship with my teammate [Bravo], although last year was difficult because we both wanted to play.
“I don’t want to think about [if a third year with Bravo was possible], it’s in the past and I’ve left it to one side. It doesn’t worry me now. I’m thinking about the games from now on.
“It was a difficult situation for all of us, because Jordi [Masip] wanted to play as well. My situation has improved [this season] and that’s what matters to me.
“All players in the team want to play and give 100 percent on the pitch. The situation was difficult for us both and he’s found a solution which is better. I’m here with Barca and I’m not thinking about other teams.”
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