On Friday, Ilkay Gundogan first bid farewell to Barcelona fans before being officially announced as a new Manchester City player. The experienced midfielder unexpectedly left the Catalan club after leading Xavi's team last season.
Barcelona, however, decided to terminate Gundogan's contract in order to save on his wages. The midfielder was one of Barcelona's highest-paid players. “I'm leaving in a complicated situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, then I'll be a little less sad,” the player wrote on social media, addressing Barcelona fans.
Manchester City, where Gundogan played until last year, benefited from the German's move. The midfielder spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium before leaving for Barcelona on a free transfer. He has now joined the English champions in the same way.
Guardiola and Flick comment on Gundogan's transfer
“It was a total surprise. I didn't expect it at all. But when the opportunity to get him came up, we didn't hesitate for a second. Remember how I told you that anything can happen in terms of our transfers? This is the case!” said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick also spoke about Guedogan at a press conference ahead of Saturday's league match against Athletic Bilbao. The German shed a slightly different light on the subject, suggesting that it was not the club that wanted the split.
– You asked me about him after the match with Valencia. I said then that we had spoken and I thought he would help us. But this week he changed his mind. That happens. I know him as a player and as a person and I can't say anything bad about him. He was a great player for Barcelona – said a disappointed Flick.
During his year at Barcelona, Gundogan scored five goals and provided 14 assists in 51 games. At Manchester City, the 33-year-old played 304 games, scoring 60 goals and providing 38 assists. With the club, he won five Premier League titles, three domestic cups, two league cups and the Champions League.