Ilkay Gundogan bids farewell to Barcelona, gives reasons

Ilkay Gundogan revealed on Friday the reasons why Barcelona allowed him leave to join Manchester City.

The 33-year-old, who made 51 appearances in all competitions for the Blaugrana last season and still had two years remaining on his deal with the Catalan club, said in a post on his official X handle that ahead of the 2024–25 campaign, new boss Hansi Flick informed the veteran midfielder that he could not guarantee Gundogan a starting place in his side.

This, coupled with the club’s well-publicized financial troubles in recent years, led to Barcelona being willing to allow him to leave on a free in order to free up funds from his reportedly £17 million-a-year wages.

He said: “Dear culers, after just one year, it’s already time to say goodbye.

“I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season, and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.

“Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.

“Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs—I always wanted to play 6 at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life.

“I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best.”

Getting rid of Gundogan is reportedly set to free up €14m (£12m) in Barcelona’s fair play budget and could allow the club to reinvest 70 percent of these savings into new signings.

Gundogan revealed that he had found a new appreciation for Manchester City during his year away in Barcelona after re-signing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

“When you leave this place, you spend a year away, and you then start to appreciate the place even more,’ Gundogan said after his return was announced.

“The best club in the world, and I think in terms of football, getting back onto that level and coming back a year later is an incredible feeling.

“I am very pleased, very happy, and I feel privileged to share the dressing room again with these amazing players,” he added.