Jasper Cillessen has made it clear that he has not joined Barcelona to be “the enemy of Marc-Andre ter Stegen” after being officially unveiled on Friday.
Ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo never hid their frustrations about not being Barca’s undisputed No 1, the pair having been allocated cup and League matches respectively, but Cillessen insists there will be no such qualms on his part.
“I’ve felt very well since I arrived,” said the former Ajax goalkeeper.
“Everyone has welcomed me and the fans are happy with me.
“I’ve come here to work and try to make it difficult for the Coach, but I’m not the enemy of Ter Stegen or other goalkeepers, we’re friends.
“I know it’ll be difficult to play because there’s great competition.
“[Ter Stegen’s] a great goalkeeper, very talented and has many qualities.
“I’d like to be at his level and I hope we get along. We can speak in English or German, and I’m sure we’ll have a good time.”
