Barcelona 2023 key signing lists two reasons why he joined the club

As we approach the final phase of the season, it is perhaps fair to suggest that Ilkay Gundogan was a smart purchase for Barcelona last summer.

The German’s experience and technical efficiency have been invaluable for Barcelona throughout the course of the campaign.

However, Gundogan’s fate could have ended very differently as the veteran midfielder was also linked with a contract renewal at Man City. But he ended up opting for a move to Camp Nou.

In a recent interview, Gundogan laid out two reasons that propelled him to move to Barcelona, one of which is his deep love for the club itself.

Gundogan on why he joined Barça

“Barça have always been the club of my dreams since I was little. I loved to see how they played, it had an effect on me when I was a kid and as a teenager,” Gundogan said (h/t Diario SPORT).

“Even being a professional also because I have faced Barça a few times,” he added.

Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023. He arrived at Camp Nou on the back of a successful season that saw him lead Man City to a treble.

Gundogan has been a success at Barcelona (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Since joining Barcelona, Gundogan has become an ever-present figure in the Barça midfield. His role has become even more important in light of Gavi and Pedri’s injuries.

The role of Xavi Hernandez

Another key factor that convinced Gundogan to move to Catalonia was Xavi Hernandez, the midfielder revealed.

“The other reason – coach Xavi. The fact that he contacted me so soon last season, that we kept talking. The fact that he showed me so much appreciation and told me what he expected from me. All this convinced me,” he said.

This is not the first time Gundogan has openly admitted Xavi’s role behind his move to Barcelona this summer. And naturally, he was one of the players worst affected by the coach’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

However, Gundogan may still have a chance to convince Xavi to reverse his decision as Barcelona look to defeat PSG and seal a place in the Champions League semifinals.