Watch: Barcelona veteran meets new coach after completing loan move

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has officially started a new chapter in his career after completing his loan move to Girona until the end of the season. 

Just a day after making the agreement public, the veteran goalkeeper arrived at Girona’s training ground, where he was warmly welcomed by his new head coach, Michel.

It must be noted that Ter Stegen’s arrival marks a significant moment for both player and club. 

After spending more than a decade at Barcelona, the German international is experiencing a rare change of environment. 

Embracing the moment

Speaking to Michel upon his arrival, Ter Stegen made his enthusiasm clear, saying,“I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

The Girona coach immediately responded with a light-hearted question, asking, “Are you ready for anything?”, before giving the goalkeeper an overview of the club’s current situation.

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Michel was keen to emphasise the positive atmosphere within the squad and the ambition Girona are showing this season. Welcoming Ter Stegen into the group, he explained:

“We’re doing better, we’re competing well. We’re happy to have you here. We need to talk, don’t worry. Get to know the guys. You’ll see, it’s a good locker room.”

Ter Stegen, for his part, admitted that the transition is an emotional one. After more than 10 years at Barcelona, meeting a new group of teammates is a completely new experience for him. 

He openly acknowledged this feeling, telling Michel that he was nervous about introducing himself to his new colleagues after spending so long in the same environment.

Following his initial conversation with the coach, Ter Stegen greeted each member of Girona’s coaching staff before being shown around the club’s facilities. 

He took a detailed tour of the training complex and gym, familiarising himself with his new surroundings ahead of his first training sessions.