Why I Joined Barcelona – Gundogan Reveals

• Sodiq Lawal

Barcelona’s new boy, Ilkay Gundogan, has explained why he ditched Manchester City to sign for the Blaugrana despite their immense success in England.

OSUN DEFENDER recalls that the Former Manchester City captain Former Manchester City captain played for Manchester City for seven seasons under former Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola, eventually becoming club captain in 2022.

In his first and only season as Manchester City captain, the Cityzens won a sensational treble, carting away the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles, with Gundogan lifting all three trophies, and scoring in the FA Cup final.

Despite the success, Gundogan decided not to renew his contract at Manchester City, electing to join Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, and the German midfielder has explained the reasoning behind his decision.

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Gundogan explains reason for Barcelona move

Speaking with DarioAS, Gundogan revealed that Manchester City’s approach to offering him a new contract was the final straw that drove him towards Barcelona despite the English club’s dominance.

The 32-year-old midfielder said, “City waited a long time to intensify talks. If they had acted a little earlier, the situation would have been different.”

“But, it was a perfect ending, it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was also my childhood dream to play for Barcelona.”

Gundogan has made an impressive start to life in Catalonia and has started all of the club’s four LaLiga matches, assisting two goals in that period.