Ilkay Gundogan’s City departure is difficult for all involved. After seven years, the 32-year-old midfielder exchanged the champions of England for Barcelona, where he signed a two-year contract on Monday.
Gündogan says goodbye to City with a beautiful letter: “It was Barcelona or nothing”
Gundogan had an expiring contract with City and chose not to renew it. That was not an easy decision, says the German international on Monday in an extensive letter on the website of The Players Tribune. He wrote, “When I came here I was a young man with no children and many dreams. It’s hard to believe that seven years later I’m leaving a father who has fulfilled all the dreams he’s ever had.”
Grealish & Haaland
The addition of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish to the permanent core that has been there for years was crucial according to Gündogan. He revealed, “Jack Grealish is misunderstood by some media outlets. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve come across in football. It is very nice to be around him, he is so humble and pure. And he worked so hard to get to a higher level this season. He was fantastic for us.”
“And then you have Erling Haaland,” Gundogan continues. “I didn’t know what to expect from him after all those goals at Dortmund. I wondered if he would fit into the group. But when I got to know him, I was surprised that someone with so much talent has the will to still get better every day. He is never satisfied. I feel like there are no boundaries for him. He is able to reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo.”
So many more players pass by. Together they formed such a strong group that Gundogan felt he could fulfill his dream of winning the Champions League this season. “The whole season felt like a movie,” said the German with Turkish roots, who also played the final in his grandfather’s country. “I only realized that when we landed by plane and I saw the city (Istanbul).”
Reunion with Lewa
Now his stay at City is coming to an end. “After winning the treble I asked myself: could it have been more perfect than this? No, you couldn’t. I think Pep might have hoped that we would arrive and leave City together, but I know he understands my decision. It certainly helps that I go to the club of his youth. Hopefully we will get a reunion in a Champions League final soon,” the midfielder said.
Gundogan will forever be associated with City and there was only one club he wanted to leave for. “It was Barcelona or nothing. From an early age I dreamed of wearing that shirt. I want to put Barcelona back where it belongs. It will be a reunion with my old friend Lewa and I am looking forward to playing under Xavi, who I have admired for a long time. I can’t wait to play for Barcelona,” he concludes.
