Jasper Cillessen has insisted that he will be "friends" with Marc-Andre ter Stegen this season, despite the fact that the pair will battle for the number one goalkeeping position at Barcelona.
Cillessen arrived at Camp Nou earlier this week as a replacement for Claudio Bravo, who has joined Premier League outfit Manchester City.
Ter Stegen is widely expected to be handed the gloves for the 2016-17 campaign, but Cillessen has vowed to "work and try to make it difficult for the coach" after joining from Ajax on a five-year contract.
"I've felt very well since I arrived. Everyone has welcomed me and the fans are happy with me. I've come here to work and try to make it difficult for the coach, but I'm not the enemy of Ter Stegen or other goalkeepers, we're friends," Cillessen told reporters.
"I know it'll be difficult to play because there's great competition. [Ter Stegen's] a great goalkeeper, very talented and has many qualities. I'd like to be at his level and I hope we get along. We can speak in English or German, and I'm sure we'll have a good time."
It is understood that Cillessen cost Barcelona in the region of £13m.
Matt Law
