Ter Stegen Celebrates as Germany's New Number One Goalkeeper After 12-Year Wait

Marc-André ter Stegen expressed his relief and satisfaction on Thursday after being named Germany's number one goalkeeper, a role he has awaited for 12 years.

Ter Stegen, who was first called into the Germany squad in 2012, will officially assume the position as Germany's primary goalkeeper in their upcoming match against Hungary in Düsseldorf on Saturday. This announcement was made by coach Julian Nagelsmann, who also revealed Joshua Kimmich as the new captain, replacing Ilkay Gündogan.

The 32-year-old, who currently captains Barcelona, has had a distinguished club career, including winning the 2015 UEFA Champions League, five La Liga titles, and five Copa del Rey trophies. Despite his success at the club level, he has been unable to surpass Manuel Neuer for the national team role.

With Neuer retiring from international football in August, Ter Stegen will now take on the role of Germany's main goalkeeper. Ter Stegen commented that being appointed as Germany's number one is "a different feeling" and that the praise he has received is "a balm for the soul."

"I'm glad the wait is over," Ter Stegen said from Germany's training camp in Herzogenaurach. "I'm looking forward to this new task and to what I have ahead of me. I want to be successful."

He admitted that although he dealt with his previous disappointments "professionally," there were times of frustration. "There were always moments where you said 'wow, that's another blow'," he added.

Following their match against Hungary, Germany will travel to Amsterdam for a game against the Netherlands next Tuesday.