Marc-Andre ter Stegen has revealed how Barcelona team-mate Eric Garcia helped convince him to join Girona for the rest of the season on loan.

Garcia enjoyed a good spell on loan at Girona before returning to Barcelona and going on to become a regular starter under Hansi Flick.

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Ter Stegen says the pair spoke about Michel’s side before he put pen to paper on his contract.

“He loved the experience. He always spoke very highly of this club,” he told reporters:

“He told me they were going to welcome me warmly, that it’s like a family. I’ve seen what happened to him, that now he’s a key player at Barcelona.”

The goalkeeper also spoke at length to Michel and admitted he wasn’t sure at first if a transfer would be possible.

“We spoke before I came here; I wanted to know his opinion. There had been contact with my representatives, but I wanted to talk to him to find out firsthand what he thought and what he wanted from me,” he added.

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“The deal wasn’t easy, but we’ve reached a satisfactory solution for everyone. Míchel is a football fanatic and was very engaging, but I loved him.

“People who are so passionate about their work and profession are wonderful.”