Retired Chilean Keeper Ready To Play For Barcelona
According to The Week on Monday, veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has said he would be happy to temporarily replace Marc-André ter Stegen of Barcelona if necessary.
During Barcelona’s La Liga encounter against Villarreal on Sunday, Ter Stegen suffered a catastrophic injury that would require a lengthy recovery.
Following a career with Colo Colo, Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Betis, Bravo, 41, announced his retirement from sport in August.
Though he has hung up his boots, the Copa America winner seems willing to make a quick comeback should Barcelona make contact with him.
During the Villarreal encounter, Ter Stegen was clearly in agony and was quickly substituted by backup goalkeeper Iñaki Peña.
“The German international was visibly in pain and was quickly replaced by Iñaki Peña,” the club stated in a statement on Monday. Peña, 25, and Barcelona extended his deal in 2023, with a 400 million euro buyout clause, to June 2026.
During the Villarreal encounter, Ter Stegen was clearly in agony and was quickly substituted by backup goalkeeper Iñaki Peña.
“The German international was visibly in pain and was quickly replaced by Iñaki Peña,” the club stated in a statement on Monday. Peña, 25, and Barcelona extended his deal in 2023, with a 400 million euro buyout clause, to June 2026.
Just before halftime, he fell awkwardly while trying to clear a high cross and was stretchered off.
Monday’s surgery was planned after additional testing verified the extent of the damage. Bravo, who spent 2014–2016 as a member of Barcelona, announced his retirement on social media on August 27.
Looking back on his career, the Chilean goalie began his time at Real Sociedad after leaving Colo-Colo. He left San Sebastián after eight years to play for Barcelona, where he spent two seasons competing against Ter Stegen.
Bravo moved to Manchester City in 2016 before spending four years in England before moving to Real Betis.
References and Citation
punchng.com – Retired Claudio Bravo may replace Barcelona’s injured Ter Stegen
barcablaugranes.com – Claudio Bravo offers his services to Barcelona after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury
thesun.co.uk – Forgotten Premier League star, 41, offers to come out of retirement to save Barcelona after horror Ter Stegen injury
ifm923.com – Retired Claudio Bravo Could Step In For Injured Ter Stegen At Barcelona
