Ilkay Gundogan’s classy response when asked about Barcelona departure

Speaking in an interview with BILD (h/t SPORT), Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has opened up on the reason behind his departure from FC Barcelona.

Gundogan, 33, who joined Barça last year as a free agent, returned to the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, signing a one-year contract with an option for another 12 months.

Even though the midfielder was one of Barcelona’s best players last season, he was offloaded by the La Liga behemoths, which sparked disappointment among some sections of supporters.

Gundogan talks about Barcelona exit

Confirming what was already known, Gundogan revealed that his departure from Barcelona was to help the club financially.

The Blaugrana needed to generate salary space to register Dani Olmo and given that Gundogan was one of the highest earners in the squad and played in a position where there are enough options, he was sacrificed by the club.

Showing his class, Gundogan said that it would be wrong to judge the club’s situation and wished that the Catalans return to their former glory days.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate as a player to judge these things in detail,” said the Manchester City veteran.

“I wish with all my heart that Barça regain calm and with that, success. The fans deserve it,” he added.

No problems with Hansi Flick

When further probed about his departure from Barcelona and whether manager Hansi Flick did not want to keep him at the club, Gundogan replied:

“I don’t get the feeling that Hansi doesn’t like me, I talk a lot about football with him and we have a good relationship.”

Continuing further, he added: “I am very grateful to him because he made me captain of Germany at a difficult time.”

During the interview, Gundogan confirmed that he had offers from elsewhere but he had made up his mind to return to Manchester City if he were to leave Barcelona.

The veteran midfielder, who announced his international retirement as well earlier this month, also revealed that Pep Guardiola played a major role in his decision to return to the Etihad.