Ilkay Gundogan has bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona fans on social media, revealing the reasons behind his sudden departure from the club.
The 33-year-old midfielder made 51 appearances in all competitions for the Blaugrana last season, but was informed by new boss Hansi Flick that he couldn’t guarantee him a starting place in his side. This, coupled with the club’s well-documented financial struggles, led to Barcelona agreeing to let him leave on a free transfer.
In a heartfelt statement shared online, Gundogan revealed that knowing his departure would help the club’s financial situation had softened the blow of his early exit. He expressed his gratitude to the fans and wished them the best for the season, saying they deserve to get the club back to its best.
Gundogan has since agreed a deal to return to Manchester City, signing a one-year contract with the option to extend his stay by a further year. The former club captain and five-time Premier League winner has spoken about finding a new appreciation for Manchester City during his year away in Barcelona.
Speaking after his return was announced, Gundogan said: “When you leave this place, you spend a year away and you then start to appreciate the place even more. You realise what you had, how amazing the time was and how big the club is.”
Gundogan’s departure from Barcelona is set to free up €14m (£12m) in the club’s fair play budget, which could allow them to reinvest 70 per cent of these savings into new signings.
Check out the photos of Gundogan’s time at Barcelona and his return to Manchester City below:
Ilkay Gundogan has bid farewell to Barcelona fans on social media
The 33-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions in his sole season in Catalonia
New Barca boss Hansi Flick had told the midfielder that he would struggle for starts this season
Gundogan said he is taking solace in his departure helping the club’s dire financial situation
The five-time Premier League winner has rejoined Pep Guardiola’s side on a one-year deal