Ilkay Gundogan sends a heartfelt message to Barcelona fans after exit finalised

With his transfer to Manchester City announced, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said a heartfelt goodbye to Barcelona fans.

The 33-year-old had joined the club only last summer, arriving for free after his contract at Manchester City had expired.

Gundogan finished his debut season as one of Barcelona’s best players, scoring five goals and setting up 14 more from 51 matches in all competitions.

While he was expected to play a key part in Hansi Flick’s team this season, the Catalans financial situation and urgent need to free up salary space to register new signing Dani Olmo led to the club sanctioning Gundogan’s exit.

The midfielder returns to Manchester City as a free agent, even though he still had two years left on his contract at Barça.

Gundogan says goodbye

Ahead of impending exit, Gundogan, who is already in Manchester, has taken to social media to say his goodbyes to the Barcelona fans.

“Dear culers, after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it,” he started.

Dear culers,

after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my… pic.twitter.com/n9gAhbmpmz

— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 23, 2024

Continuing, he wrote: “I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.

“Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”

Looking back at his time with the Catalans, he added: “Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life.

“I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best.”

Despite Gundogan’s exit, Barcelona are not in a position to register Olmo. They are also relying on the proceeds from Mika Faye’s imminent exit to help them out.

However, the club might need the board to provide a financial guarantee to register the Spaniard, like it was done in Jules Kounde’s case back in 2022.