New Delhi: There are reports suggesting that veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has said he would be happy to temporarily replace Marc-André ter Stegen of Barcelona if necessary. After a distinguished career with Colo Colo, Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Betis, Claudio Bravo announced his retirement from football 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. He had few of his best years with the Catalan side where he was once regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He built his reputation as a wonderful shot stopper and his service to the clubs that he has played for, have been immense.
What caused Bravo to consider coming out of retirement
🔵🔴🇨🇱 Claudio Bravo: “If Barcelona want me, I will be ready to come out of retirement”, tells @winwinallsports. pic.twitter.com/vACQzNCGbT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 23, 2024
During Barcelona’s La Liga encounter against Villarreal on Sunday, Ter Stegen suffered a catastrophic injury that would require a lengthy recovery. The German international was replaced by Iñaki Peña without much delay after the club revealed in a statement on Monday that he was clearly in agony. Peña, 25, and Barcelona extended his deal in 2023, with a 400 million euro buyout clause, to June 2026.
Later on, Barcelona declared that Ter Stegen’s right knee had sustained a “complete rupture” of the patella tendon, necessitating Monday surgery. 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 back in August.
Looking back on his career, the Chilean keeper 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.
Bravo played 75 competitive games and won nine major championships in his two years at Barcelona, including the FIFA Club World Cup, the Champions League, and two league and cup doubles. During that time, he won nine major championships, including the league and cup doubles in both years, the Champions League, and the Clubs World Cup.
Will it be the right decision to sign Bravo?
Claudio Bravo of Barcelona celebrates during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Camp Nou on December 30, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
This potential return to Catalunya can either turn out to be a complete disaster or a good recruitment for Barcelona. There are pros and cons to this as the 41 year old is way past his prime, despite the fact that it hasn’t been a long while since he actually set foot on a football pitch. The age factor can be a factor as Barca might be risking their post at a stage where they need to keep their consistency up and maintain the strong start that they have managed to produce. Bravo’s inclusion to the lineup might become a problem for Flick as the veteran hasn’t been around for a while now and the system has clearly changed quite a lot since the last time he wore the Barca jersey.
However, to look onto the positive side, Bravo has the experience factor under his belt which might turn out to be a key point for Barca. Besides, he was a part of Real Betis side, another Laliga team which makes it a fair point that he is pretty much familiar with how the league works and what all is being demanded from him.
Claudio Bravo makes an interesting comment on his possible return as he would love to join Hansi Flick to replace the injured Ter Stegen in goal. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
