Manchester City faced a significant blow as their seasoned midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, bid farewell to the club after seven remarkable years. The German international, who left as a free agent, joined Barcelona instead of renewing his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Renowned presenter Sam Matterface has shed light on behind-the-scenes revelations that suggest the club knew of Gundogan’s departure well before the season concluded, leaving City’s fans in surprise.
City Knew Ilkay Gundogan Departure was Inevitable
During an appearance on talkSPORT, Matterface revealed intriguing insights into the situation. He stated,
“I know they wanted him to stay, but I think they knew it was happening. Probably March, April time, the suggestion was then that he was going to leave and that was before all the stuff happened and he was brilliant towards the end of the season.”
Eventually, Gundogan signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona. This became the Spanish club’s priority signing after Lionel Messi’s departure to Inter Miami. Speaking about his decision, the midfielder stated that conversations with Barcelona head coach Xavi convinced him to join the club. Consequently, his experience of winning the Champions League with Manchester City will aid in a revival at Camp Nou.
A New Chapter
During his tenure with Manchester City, Gundogan made 304 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his versatility as a midfielder. He excelled in various roles, including as a pivot, an eight, and an attacking midfielder. His contributions were crucial in City’s triumphant treble-winning season, securing the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
Now at Barcelona, Gundogan remains eager to adapt to any role that the coach requires of him. He expressed his readiness to play in an attacking capacity or contribute defensively, demonstrating his commitment to be a valuable asset for Xavi’s team.
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