“Barcelona or nothing,” Ilkay Gundogan reveals special love for the Catalan club in final letter to Manchester City fans

"Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt some day." says Gundogan on his move to Barcelona.

“Barcelona or nothing,” Ilkay Gundogan reveals special love for the Catalan club in final letter to Manchester City fans

Pep Guardiola with Gundogan (credit: Goal.com)

Barcelona has signed Ikay Gundogan as a free agent from Manchester City in this summer transfer window. Since the German’s contract ended with the Champions League win, the treble-winning captain declined the contract extension with City and signed for the Spanish giants.

During an interview, Gundogan said, “If I was going to move, there is only one club in the world that made sense. It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt someday.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnwJXKGai30

The captain created his legacy by leading the club to its most successful historical period. Man City lifted the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League trophy under his reign.

In the seven years playing with Manchester City, Gundogan won the Premier League five times, two FA Cup titles, and a Champions League title. He scored 60 goals for City, four of which were unforgettable against Aston Villa in the 2021-22 season and against Manchester United in the 2022-23 season. In the 2021-22 Premier League’s last game found the back of the net with his considerable brace turning around the losing game to a victory.

He scored twice against Red Devils in the FA Cup in the 2022-23 season, which resulted in the Blues lifting the cup. The German opened with the sensational volley within 12 seconds of starting time which was the quickest goal in FA Cup final history.

“I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here, and to have been captain for this extra-special season has been the greatest experience of my career,” said the Captain.“Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support.”

In case you missed: George Russell celebrates Manchester City’s Champions League glory, parties with Jack Grealish while wearing his winner’s medal 

Role of Gundogan in Barcelona

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Ilkay Gundogan in action for Manchester City (via goal.com)

With the exit of Sergio Busquets from the Spanish League-winning club, the German would prove to be a good substitute for him. Gundogan will definitely look to pair up the young midfielders Pedri and Gavi to unlock their true potential.

With his arrival in Camp Nou, the former City player will have to get his eyes set on defending the title of La Liga. Real Madrid, signed Jude Bellingham to bolster their midfield. With the addition of Gundogan to the squad list, Barcelona should aim for the Champions League title, as the last few years have been rough for the club.

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