Marc-André ter Stegen breaks his silence about his recent relationship with Barcelona. | OneFootball

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Barcelona's captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is en route to Bordeaux for Tuesday's scheduled surgery at the Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac, aiming to resolve persistent lower back issues that have sidelined him throughout preseason and prevented his Asia tour participation.

The German goalkeeper's airport encounter with SPORT journalists followed growing reports of strained relations with club management. Alleged disagreements over his injury management and refusal to consider a transfer have reportedly prompted internal discussions about potentially reassigning his captaincy before the new campaign.

What did the German say about his relationship with Barcelona?

Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen departs for Bordeaux today ahead of Tuesday's back surgery at Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac. The procedure addresses persistent injuries that have kept him off the training pitch and away from the club's Asia preseason tour.

Airport encounters revealed mounting tensions, with SPORT questioning the goalkeeper about his club relationship. "The relationship with the club is good, always good, intact," the German maintained, despite reports suggesting possible captaincy revocation due to disagreements over his injury management.

When pressed about his condition, the veteran responded wryly: "If you have to have surgery, I think there's something wrong, don't you?"

Medical estimates conflict regarding his recovery - while ter Stegen predicts three months, club doctors anticipate four to five. This extended absence could provide Barcelona roster flexibility to register new signings.