Barcelona hired Hansi Flick as their new manager during the summer with the exit of Xavi Hernandez confirmed and that of some top players.
Topping the list of players who left Barcelona for an adventure elsewhere is Manchester City and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
The German superstar left the club on a free transfer just days before the signature of Dani Olmo was confirmed. The departure of Gundogan allowed the club to register Dani Olmo for La Liga.
Speaking to Dail Mail (h/t Mundo Deportivo) in a recent interview, the Gundogan recounted his days in Catalonia and revealed how it was a dream come true to play for the club.
Ilkay Gundogan during his playing days at FC Barcelona (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
“I think I had a successful time at Barcelona. I mean apart from anything, I played for one of the biggest teams in the world.”
“I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams, playing for Barca and wearing that badge,” he added.
Gundogan then did away with the notion that his season in Catalonia was a failure, emphasising that the team did not do poorly but were outdone by a high-level Real Madrid.
“At Barça, at the end of the season we had 85 points, 3 less than when we won La Liga. It was a hard experience, but fantastic. I don’t regret anything.”
With the way things turned out,the German star was asked if has any regrets.
“I feel privileged to have played in Barcelona. In other circumstances, perhaps things would have been different.”
“It was a hard experience, but also fantastic. So I don’t regret anything,” he added.
Finally, the midfield veteran commented on his unexpected return to Manchester City and how it is going for him in the Premier League once more.
“When I was sure that it would be amazing to return, I talked to Pep (Guardiola). I called him and asked him if he imagined it. It was something I personally wanted to do and I didn’t have much to lose.”
“I was a little nervous beforehand, but it was a nice call. Obviously, my relationship with Pep was always good,” he added.
Gundogan has retained his place in the City squad and he’s expected to play a leadership role on and off the pitch.
