Gundogan opens up on Barcelona move: “Dreamed of wearing that shirt someday”

Just minutes after his transfer to Barcelona was made official, Ilkay Gundogan has opened up on his decision to sign for the Blaugrana on The Player’s Tribune.

Gundogan joins the La Liga champions on a free transfer, with his Manchester City contract expiring. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract with Barcelona until 2025 with an option for an additional twelve months. The deal also contains a release clause worth €400 million.

Coming on the back of a treble-winning campaign with the Cityzens, Gundogan explains that the decision was not an easy one to make for him. But if he was going to leave Manchester City, it made sense that it was only to join Barcelona.

“If I was going to move, there is only one club in the world that made sense. It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt someday,” he wrote.

“I am confident that I have a few more years left at the highest level, and I just want to help bring Barcelona back to where they deserve to be.”

The midfielder also touched upon reuniting with his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Robert Lewandowski, while also saying he was looking forward to playing under Xavi, someone who has long-admired.

“It will be a reunion with my old friend Lewa, and I’m excited to play under another manager who I have admired for a long time. When Xavi and I talked about the project, it just seemed so natural. I see so many similarities between us as characters and in the way we see the game.”

Gundogan also stated that he is very much aware of the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona, but insisted he thrives under it.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of pressure at Barcelona. But I love pressure. I love to get out of my comfort zone. I was not looking for an easy landing. I was looking for a new challenge. That’s what this next chapter is all about. I can’t wait to play in the Barcelona shirt,“ he stated.