Behind the great saves and titles are stories that footballers rarely talk about.
Lent.az, citing foreign media, reports that the famous goalkeeper Mark-Andre ter Stegen unexpectedly spoke about a very personal chapter of his life - his fatherless childhood, the role of the family, and dreams that have nothing to do with football.
Ter Stegen confessed that his father left the family when he was only 10 years old, and he has never seen him since.
"As harsh as it sounds, I don't feel a void. You can't miss what you never had. This situation didn't hurt me - it taught me to appreciate those around me."
At that time, my mother was by my side:
"My mother was everything to me. I was always by her side - hugging her, being close."
His grandfather occupies a special place in his life - he was the one who took the future "Barcelona" goalkeeper to training in all weathers:
"He never disappointed me. Over time, I realized that this was important to him - he found meaning in being with me. He became a father figure to me: calm, unhurried, but always there for me."
His greatest strength is related to the future. Not about cups or records:
"My biggest dream is not related to football. I want my children to grow up and be what they want to be. I want them to be happy, free and content - just like I was happy as a child, surrounded by real love."

Ter Stegen's story reminds us that sometimes the most important victories happen away from the field.