German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen stated that his "goal has always been to be the starter for Germany," a position he has sought since making his debut in 2012, though he had previously been the backup to Manuel Neuer.

In a press conference ahead of Germany’s match against Hungary on Saturday, the Barcelona goalkeeper expressed being "happy with the words" from "teammates and coaches" regarding his new starting role and acknowledged Neuer’s career, saying he "always handled the pressure."

When asked about his previously strained relationship with Bayern Munich's goalkeeper, Ter Stegen commented that they "don't talk much about that anymore." "Manuel made the decision himself and it seems he thought it through well. Afterwards, my teammates praised me a lot," he said.

Reflecting on whether he ever lost hope of becoming Germany's number one, Ter Stegen admitted there were times when he thought about not being a starter. "In the end, the decision was always Manu’s. It was disappointing, but these are things you have to experience and get through. There were many conversations where frustration came up. It was worth it. My teammates noticed that I never let them down," he explained.

The Number 1 Jersey

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has taken the number 1 jersey for the German national team, which had been worn by Manuel Neuer for the past fifteen years.

As revealed by the German Football Association (DFB) and announced by coach Julian Nagelsmann in a press conference on Monday, Ter Stegen, who previously wore number 22 until the European Championship, will now wear the number typically associated with a team's starting goalkeeper. Nagelsmann confirmed that Ter Stegen will be the starter, praising his long-standing performance at Barcelona where he serves as captain.