Sure, you can wait for long, but no one is as patient as Ter Stegen

Imagine that - you make a debut for your national side at the age of 20. Perfect, right? Well, yes, but what if someone told you that you won't become their number-one choice for the next 12 years?

Frustrating, huh...

Well, that's precisely what happened to Barcelona's custodian Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who lived in the massive shadow of Manuel Neuer for more than a decade.

Despite being a top-notch keeper, Ter Stegen had to settle with only 40 appearances for Die Mannschaft during that time, mostly in the dead-rubbers and similar games.

Every drought has its end - it took them only 34 years and 177 attempts to solve theirs

Now, when the Bayern Munich goalkeeper finally decided to quit international football, the time has come for Ter Stegen to get a deserved chance between the sticks.

And, boy, he's thrilled for the opportunity...

"I'm looking forward to the new tasks, and, of course, I want to be successful, "he said at the press conference ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Hungary on Saturday. "I'm happy about all the kind words that my colleagues and the coach have said to me. That's a balm for the soul. My aim has always been to be number one. Unfortunately, I haven't managed that over the last decade. With Manuel Neuer, I had someone in front of me who had a great career and who managed to withstand the pressure. Congratulations again to him for everything he has achieved - with the national team and at club level."

Looking back, Ter Stegen admits there were times when he felt quite disappointed for being behind Neuer.

"There are always moments and situations where you think that it won't work out. In recent years, close decisions have always been made in Manuel Neuer's direction. I think I handled it professionally, but, of course, it was often very disappointing. It's a path that you have to take and that you have to accept. There have been many discussions in recent years, and I was sometimes frustrated, but I never let myself get down, and my teammates felt that too."