Barcelona introduce Marc-Andre ter Stegen, announce 5-year deal with the German goalkeeper

BARCELONA - Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was officially presented as a Barcelona player on Thursday after signing a five-year contract at the Camp Nou.

The 22-year-old arrives from Bundesliga club Borussia Moenchengladbach on a deal worth a reported 12 million euros (£9.7m, $16.4m) and he said he is relishing the chance to play for the Spanish giants.

"I believe I have taken the right step," Ter Stegen, who has won four caps for Germany, said at a press conference.

"This club has always given the impression that they wanted me.

"It's a fantastic club and there is no better option for me."

Ter Stegen has not made the Germany squad as one of their three goalkeepers for next month's World Cup, but is on stand-by in case Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer fails to recover from a shoulder injury.

However, he is set to be the first-choice for Barcelona, replacing the out-of-contract Victor Valdes, and Ter Stegen is confident the move will help him force a way into Germany coach Joachim Loew's plans on a regular basis.

"There can be nothing better than being allowed to play for Barcelona. A dream has come true," added Ter Stegen, who has been known to make the occasional blunder for both club and country.

"Moenchengladbach is my home town, but I wanted to do something new, so this is the right step for me.

"If I put in my best performances, it will be hard for the (Germany) coach to overlook me.

"But to do that, I need to play well."

Ter Stegen is Barcelona's first confirmed signing since Luis Enrique was appointed as the club's new coach on Wednesday.