May 04, (THEWILL) – Following an agreement between Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Ter Stegen and the German national team, the keeper will not play for Germany this summer.
The decision made by the Barça shot stopper and the national team coach Hansi Flick was announced in a press statement released on the German Federation’s website and posted on social media.
Based on the agreement, ter Stegen will miss Germany’s three UEFA Nations League games against Italy, England, and Hungary.
German coach Hansi Flick revealed the rationale behind the decision when he said: “Marc and I spoke extensively about his personal situation with the national team and FC Barcelona. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
“Due to injuries, he has not been able to have a break in recent years given he has been recovering. Taking into account the World Cup in Qatar we agreed this year a break is important from training and matches.”
The 30-year-old keeper appreciated the gesture, saying: “I am always happy with the national team and at call ups. However, after three intense seasons without a break in the summer, I am happy that the coach backs my rest.”
Ter Stegen has played 4,200 minutes for Barça this season in 46 games: 32 league matches, 6 Champions League matches, 6 Europa League matches, 1 Copa del Rey match, and 1 Spanish Super Cup match registering 109 saves in those games.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
