BARCELONA goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has surprisingly admitted he has “no idea about football”.
The German, 27, revealed he doesn’t know the names of most of his opponents and rarely watches a match.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has attracted interest from Bayern MunichCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ter Stegen has proved he is one of the best goalkeepers in the business since he joined Barcelona in 2014.
He has lifted the Champions League, won four LaLiga titles and seven domestic trophies with the Spanish giants.
Despite being Barcelona’s No1 shot-stopper, he has admitted he has a terrible knowledge of football.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach star told El Pais: “People laugh when I tell them I have no idea about football.
“I don’t see a lot of football, except when there are good games or when I’m particularly interested in one because I have a relationship or a friend.
“Sometimes they ask me for a player’s name and I have no idea.
“In LaLiga, for example, it happens to me with names. I don’t know what they’re called.
“But later, when they show me the video, I realise that I know exactly who it is.
“I remember better how they they move on the field, how they kick or stand out.
“It is a bit strange, it happens to me when we analyse opponents.”
He has proved himself to be a key player for Barcelona, but Bayern Munich want to lure him away in the summer.
The LaLiga giants are reportedly set to offer him a new £6million-a-year contract in a bid to tie down him until 2024.
Ter Stegen is not the first footballer to admit he is not obsessed with the game – and he will not be the last.
Gareth Bale infamously ranked Real Madrid at the bottom of the pile as he held up a sign that read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.”
The former Tottenham star said: “I don’t really watch much football. I’d rather watch golf to be honest.”
Ex-Spurs star Benoit Assou-Ekotto claimed football is not his passion and that he just viewed it as a job.
Speaking about his move to England during an interview with the Guardian, he said: “Why did I come? For a job.
“A career is only 10, 15 years. It’s only a job, yes it’s a good job and I don’t say that I hate football but it’s not my passion.”
Juventus join PSG and Bayern Munich in race for Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen next summer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
