Ter Stegen bids farewell to Barcelona and its fans with emotional post

Barcelona captain Marc-André ter Stegen has bid the club a temporary farewell after his loan move to Girona was confirmed on Wednesday night.

The experienced goalkeeper is keen to get more playing time to remain Germany’s number one at the World Cup and, with Joan Garcia now firmly established as a regular at Camp Nou, has decided to look elsewhere.

It is understood Girona will only pay around 10% of his high salary in the loan deal until the end of the season, with ter Stegen forgoing part of his salary while Barcelona will cover the majority. The two clubs confirmed the deal on Wednesday night, with no option to buy included.

Ter Stegen took to Instagram to say goodbye to Barcelona fans, 11-and-a-half years after arriving in the Catalan capital.

“Today is my last day of the season with my teammates and the FC Barcelona staff, and I honestly have mixed feelings.

There are so many memories and emotions that are flooding back to me right now. For almost 12 years, this club, and especially this dressing room, has been my home. A place where I have grown as a player and as a person, and where I have experienced unforgettable moments.

I feel deeply grateful and proud. I love this club, this city and this region. They hold within me a feeling that will never fade. Your support throughout all these years has been extraordinary, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To the dressing room: thank you for so many years together, for the daily life together, the laughter, the struggles and the respect. I carry you with me.

I had the incredible honor of wearing the captain’s armband, something that I will always carry with me.

Now my journey continues in Catalonia and I can’t wait for it coming up. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and hope to see many more trophies lifted.

See you soon. ”