Ilkay Gundogan’s choice to go from Manchester City to Barcelona in the summer of last year was explained by Sara Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundogan, 33-year-old midfielder turned down the chance to sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium, preferring to move for free to Barcelona, even though there were rumours the German international might stay longer at Manchester City.
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first acquisition in 2016. The centre midfielder won 11 more trophies in his seven years with the team, including helping Manchester City to a record treble last season.
The midfielder, who also scored 17 goals in the 2020–21 title-winning campaign, is most known for his two goals against Aston Villa in May 2022, which helped Manchester City win the Premier League.
In addition to his significant goals in the Premier League, Gundogan scored both goals—including a forceful volley just seconds into the match at Wembley Stadium—in the June Emirates FA Cup Final against Manchester United.
Before joining Barcelona in late June, Gundogan made 304 appearances for Manchester City and was the target of interest from several European and Middle Eastern teams over the last few months of his contract.
Due to the German’s departure, Guardiola was obliged to add two midfield players to the team last summer. The club is anticipated to look again in the summer to try to add further depth to the Blues’ central midfield.
Sara Gundogan has expressed her “shock” at the 33-year-old’s move decision and said that she does “miss” the north west metropolis, despite moving to Spain after slamming Manchester United.
She added, “I didn’t really believe those” (the reports about joining Barcelona), in an interview with the Mail Sport. People would always come to me with rumours in every transfer market between the summer and January.
“I used to receive texts from some folks asking if I was visiting Italy. and I never gave anything any thought. When friends texted me to say I was coming back, I responded, “no.” It simply took place. The ironic thing is that I didn’t give it much thought.
Sara Gundogan has expressed her “shock” at the 33-year-old’s move decision and said that she does “miss” the north west metropolis, despite moving to Spain after slamming Manchester United.
She added, “I didn’t really believe those” (the reports about joining Barcelona), in an interview with the Mail Sport. People would always come to me with rumours in every transfer market between the summer and January.
“I used to receive texts from some folks asking if I was visiting Italy. and I never gave anything any thought. When friends texted me to say I was coming back, I responded, “no.” It simply took place. The ironic thing is that I didn’t give it much thought.
“No, it can’t be because my spouse has lived in Manchester for a long time, and I don’t see this happening,” I said.
It was the holidays when I was in Italy. I went to see all of my pals on my first holiday with my baby. I was, in other words, a little bit in my baby bubble. And “we are going there” was the message on the phone that I just received. I wasn’t giving it any thought. I’m not sure if it came as a shock. Therefore, it took me some time to grasp what was going on.
Every player refers to Barcelona as their childhood fantasy team. Thus, I wasn’t asked any technical questions when I was questioned. And I constantly advise you to pursue your goals. I am unable to offer any other advice.
“At his age, it’s difficult to believe that you want a new challenge when you’re comfortable and the captain of another team, so I’m incredibly proud of my husband for that. It’s always risky to want a new challenge after being so successful at City.
“So, I’m really proud of him for taking a chance, and playing for Barcelona was his childhood dream.”
