Former Barcelona star makes 'easy' call opposing Hansi Flick's reported decision

Barcelona have signed Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Garcia arrived at the Catalan club on a six-year contract after they triggered his €25m (£21.3m) release clause. Barca also extended Wojciech Szczesny's contract, which is now valid until the summer of 2027.

Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper and current team captain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, was sidelined with a patellar tendon rupture and had to miss the majority of the 2024/25 season.

Following Garcia's arrival and Szczesny's contract extensions, reports surfaced that suggested that Barca head coach Hansi Flick has told Ter Stegen that he will not be the first or second choice goalkeeper in the upcoming season.

One of Barcelona's former players, Ivan Rakitic, expressed a different opinion from Flick on this matter, with the 37-year-old claiming that the decision is a 'very simple' one for the German manager, as he hailed Ter Stegen as the best.

What did former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic say?

While speaking in an interview with COPE, Rakitic mentioned that when Ter Stegen is fit, there are 'no doubts' about choosing him while heaping praise on the German shot-stopper.

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"I spoke to him and he seems very excited and happy. I hope his injury is nothing serious and he can return soon. Between Joan García and Ter Stegen, it's very easy, Ter Stegen plays. He's the captain and a highly respected player. With Marc healthy, there are no doubts," as per GOAL.

"I wish all Barcelona's problems were choosing between three great players. Joan has a lot of talent, and he's going to have to earn it. It's one thing to play for a La Liga team and another to be Barcelona's number 1. I don't see a better goalkeeper in Europe or the world."

Rakitic, who retired as a player just this month, has shared the pitch alongside Ter Stegen for 212 matches during their respective tenures at Barcelona.

Ter Stegen signed for Barcelona from his boyhood club Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 and has since made 422 appearances for the Spanish club, during which he has maintained 175 clean sheets and conceded 416 goals.

Ter Stegen is currently in recovery, and his contract at Barcelona is valid until the summer of 2028.

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