Marc-Andre ter Stegen puts Barcelona and Joan Garcia drama behind him and says it's 'time to look forward' in speech to club's fans

Barcelona captain Ter Stegen delivered a conciliatory speech to the club's fans during the presentation of the squad after the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como, which they won 5-0. The German goalkeeper, who had been at the centre of a dispute with the club over his injury and the registration of new goalkeeper Joan Garcia, received a warm reception. Ter Stegen addressed the recent drama, stating that with the issue now behind them, "it's time to look forward." 

The tension between Ter Stegen and Barcelona arose from his back injury and the club's need to create salary space to register new signings, specifically Garcia. A La Liga rule allows clubs to use 80 per cent of a player's salary space if they are out for four months or more. Ter Stegen's initial refusal to sign a document that would certify a long-term injury led to disciplinary proceedings and the temporary stripping of his captaincy. A meeting with club president Joan Laporta reportedly resolved the issue, and the captaincy has since been restored.

Ter Stegen said: “It’s a long time coming. Thank you very much for coming to the Johan. Obviously, we all share the same excitement and want to return to the Camp Nou, our home. There’s very little time left.

“As for me, I think it was important to resolve the issue between the club and me, and it’s time to look forward.

“Furthermore, we now have new faces… I want to welcome them and offer them my support. With these signings, we’re going to be stronger, and I’m sure they’ll fit in very well with this locker room.

“We must improve in some aspects and, as always, we will fight for every trophy again. We hope that, with your help, we can win as many titles as possible.”

With the pre-season concluded, Barcelona will now focus on the upcoming La Liga season. Their first league match is scheduled for August 16, when they travel to face Mallorca. The resolution of the Ter Stegen saga and the ability to register new signings will provide a much-needed boost as the team aim to build on their previous season's success.