Gundogan was a key player under former boss Xavi in the 2023-24 season,
Barcelona president Joan Laporta finally gives insight on Ilkay Gundogan who left the club after just one season. Laporta has confirmed that the German star “wanted to leave” the club in order to return to Man City and has insisted that his departure was “purely a sporting decision”.
The 33-year-old joined Barcelona last season in the summer after spending 7 years at Etihad. He joined the club on a free transfer and featured in 51 matches across all competitions.
The midfielder was a key player under former boss Xavi in the 2023-24 season, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists. He joined Man City again in the summer and as per reports, his decision came due to Barca’s financial predicament.
While talking during the press conference on Tuesday, Laporta said: “[Gundogan is] a great player and an excellent person. The year we spent with him showed us what he’s like. But after a meeting with [Hansi] Flick and assessing the situation of the squad, he decided he wanted to leave.
“The signing of Dani Olmo [meant] he was a player who performs a similar function to that of Gundo.
“It’s purely a sporting decision. It wasn’t a financial one, but the financial repercussions have been good for us. It’s a sporting decision by Barca and Gundoga
“He came without a transfer fee and it was fair that if he wanted to go to City there wouldn’t be a fee. It has had an impact on our accounts, but the reason was a sporting decision by the player.”
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