Marc-André ter Stegen speaks out after leaving FC Barcelona and reveals his expectations for his new club

The landscape of Spanish football shifted significantly this week as Marc-André ter Stegen officially began his tenure with Girona FC. In a presentation filled with ambition and a sense of "unfinished business," the German goalkeeper addressed the media for the first time in the red-and-white kit. His discourse was clear: he isn't just coming to Girona to finish his career; he is coming to transform the club into a permanent European powerhouse.

“I have to say, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed since day one,” Ter Stegen remarked, highlighting the warmth of a club that has rapidly ascended the ranks of La Liga. “The way the locker room and the manager have embraced me is something truly special.” For a player who spent over a decade under the intense, often suffocating spotlight of the Camp Nou, the atmosphere at Montilivi offers a refreshing, yet equally demanding, challenge.

Ter Stegen didn't shy away from the expectations placed upon a player of his pedigree. He immediately assumed the responsibility of being a pillar for the squad. “I want to be a leader and a person my teammates can fully trust,” he stated.

While his shot-stopping remains elite, his primary focus is on immediate performance. “The most important thing is to help the team and contribute from my position,” he added, marking a clear roadmap for this new chapter. In a locker room with emerging talents, Ter Stegen’s presence provides the "veteran gravity" that Girona needs to compete in the Champions League.

Why Girona? For the German international, the choice was tactical rather than financial. He admitted that Míchel’s specific footballing philosophy was the deciding factor. “The style of play and the clear idea the team has of how they want to attack and defend is what convinced me,” he explained.

Ter Stegen is famously a "sweeper-keeper" who excels with the ball at his feet. In Míchel’s high-pressing, possession-based system, the German is effectively the first playmaker. “With clear ideas, results follow,” he reflected, expressing his hope that the Girona jersey becomes a symbol of trophy-winning success.

With a career that spans the Bundesliga and the pinnacle of Spanish football, Ter Stegen brings a wealth of experience that Girona previously lacked. “I’ve gone through very diverse situations in my career—from complicated moments to fighting for every major title,” he noted. This resilience allows him to adapt to any challenge, whether it’s a high-stakes European night or a gritty league battle.

The goalkeeper also revealed that he sought advice before making the move. A key figure in the shadows was Eric García, who shared his own positive experiences at Girona. Those conversations, combined with Míchel’s personal interest in the signing, made the decision easy. “His interest was determining, both on a personal and sporting level. You can see he lives for football, and that connects deeply with me,” Ter Stegen confessed.

Closing his presentation, the German sent a message of gratitude and fire to the fans. “I feel the fans' excitement, and that encourages me even more. I am very happy to be here and eager to start defending this shirt.”

Ter Stegen’s arrival isn't just a signing; it’s a statement of intent for Girona. As the 2026 season unfolds, the "Wall of Catalonia" has moved north, and the rest of the league has been put on notice.