Jasper Cillessen: 'Marc-Andre ter Stegen is not my enemy'

Goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen of Netherlands looks on during the International Friendly match between Netherlands and Ghana at De Kuip on May 31, 2014
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New Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen relishes battling Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the gloves at Camp Nou this season.

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.

Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola looks on prior to kick-off in the Champions League quarter final match against Manchester United on April 9, 2014
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