Why Marc-Andre ter Stegen won’t sign his medical report at Barcelona

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has caused a stir by refusing to consent to his medical report being sent to La Liga to confirm he will be out for four months after undergoing back surgery.

The move has angered Barcelona as they were hoping to use part of his salary to register new signings Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghj before the start of the season.

It’s a really bizarre move by Ter Stegen and one that has been widely seen as being a spiteful and selfish act, particularly from an experienced player who also happens to be club captain.

Diario Sport claim to have some insight into Ter Stegen’s thinking after speaking to sources close to the Germany international.

The word is that Ter Stegen remains adamant he won’t sign the report as it’s his right and he is also confident he has the law behind him.

The main reason seems to be that the German thinks he will be able to return much quicker than Barcelona expect. He was out for two months previously after back surgery and wans to return as soon as possible.

If Barcelona do rule him out for four months, and use his salary to register new players, then he won’t be able to play again until January.

Ter Stegen also believes that Barcelona’s new signings – such as Joan Garcia and Roony – were made before his injury and therefore the Catalans should have other ways to register those new signings.

The 33-year-old is also said to be eager to continue at Barcelona, and see out his contract at the club, and feels he has the support of his team-mates.

Many have backed him publicly recently when quizzed on the situation during the pre-season tour of Asia, although it remains to be seen who will be named in the captaincy group when the locker room takes a vote before the start of the season.

Source: barcablaugranes.com