MADRID, 25 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen, who tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in the match played on Sunday at the Estadio de la Cerámica, has thanked the affection of all those who have cared for him these days, especially “the Villarreal fans”, whose “respect” he appreciated during that difficult moment.
“I feel very grateful to all the Barça fans, teammates, rivals, clubs and friends for the support and affection you have shown me since Sunday. I want to thank the Villarreal fans for the respect you have shown me at the stadium, it means a lot to me. I feel positive and strong, now I am focusing on my recovery. Thank you!” he said in a message posted on his social networks.
The German goalkeeper underwent surgery on Monday, but is unlikely to be able to play for the rest of the season. The operation was carried out by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the club’s medical services, at the Hospital de Barcelona.
The Barça captain, who was in the starting line-up again in the match against Villarreal which ended in a 1-5 victory for the Blaugrana at the Estadio de la Cerámica, had to leave the pitch just before half-time after a bad fall after trying to get hold of a ball in the air, amid cries and gestures of pain.
This season, ter Stegen has played in every game; six in LaLiga EA Sports and the Champions League game against Monaco at the Stade Louis II. Ter Stegen, after his start against Villarreal, is now the third goalkeeper in Barça’s history with the most games played in the domestic competition, with a total of 289 and surpassing a club legend, Antoni Ramallets.