Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has issued a statement as he prepares to undergo surgery this week on a hamstring injury.
Here’s what he’s had to say.
“Most of you don’t know me on a personal level, so I want to share something with you. I’m a positive person. I’ve always had this mindset and carried it with me through every challenge I’ve faced, but this one is especially tough for me.
“Last weekend, the worst happened: I got injured during the match. I had just arrived in Girona, where I was treated with great warmth and closeness from the very first minute. I was really looking forward to being part of the team and helping achieve our shared objective.
“Now my role has had to change completely, but my support for the team won’t. It’s not just a great group of players and coaching staff; it feels like a family, and from the start I’ve felt their support and closeness. As athletes, our greatest joy is competing: training and playing. I have to put all of that on pause for several months, as I’ve decided to undergo surgery. I will be back.”