Barcelona loanee opens up after earning international recall following two injury-hit years: ‘This means a lot to me’

Barcelona loanee opens up after earning international recall following two injury-hit years: ‘This means a lot to me’ Barcelona loanee Marc-Andre ter Stegen has enjoyed a good start to the new season at Ajax, showing signs of recovering his best level. The Germany international had endured an injury-ridden couple of seasons at the Catalan club and had fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick. Barça signed Joan Garcia to replace the German, and the Spaniard has firmly established himself as first choice. Ter Stegen moved to Ajax on loan at the beginning of the summer in a bid to play regular football and get back to his best. He has been included in Jurgen Klopp’s extended 44-man Germany squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. It is ter Stegen’s first international call-up in a year. Ter Stegen welcomes Germany return As quoted by Mundo Deportivo , ter Stegen welcomed his return to the Germany set-up after a difficult two-year period. “This means a lot to me,” ter Stegen said after Ajax’s 2-2 draw against Excelsior. “I suffered a lot during my recovery. I always try to give my best, to show the best version of myself, and I’m happy to be back.” Ter Stegen is now back in the scheme of things for Germany. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “For every child who plays football, it is a dream to play for their country,” he continued. “Even more so after the last two years, during which I wasn’t always able to play. The way I am treated in Germany also means a lot to me.” A significant step for the Barcelona loanee Ter Stegen had a difficult evening as the Dutch side were held 2-2 at home by Excelsior, with the goalkeeper enduring an uncomfortable performance. Still, his Germany return is encouraging. Ter Stegen’s loan spell is fundamentally about playing regularly again after his injury problems. Being brought back into the national-team environment represents another important step in that process, even if Klopp’s unusually large squad means there is still competition ahead. The goalkeeper was also asked about Julian Brandt’s absence from the Germany squad and refused to question Klopp’s decision. “Jule is doing a great job, he makes the difference,” ter Stegen said. “But it doesn’t depend on me, not at all.” A career being rebuilt step by step While ter Stegen may not necessarily have a future at Barcelona, a good season to get his career back on track could help the club sell him next summer. All eyes on Ter Stegen’s fitness ahead of a potential sale next season. (Photo courtesy: Ajax official website) There is no doubting the Germany international’s quality, and it is his fitness that has stopped clubs around Europe from taking a punt on him. Michel’s relationship with ter Stegen allowed him to take the chance of signing him for Ajax, and he has not disappointed so far. The next step for the Germany international is to replicate this form for the national team under Jurgen Klopp, and it remains to be seen how he fares in the upcoming international break.