In a candid revelation that will resonate with fans across the Premier League, Ilkay Gündogan has detailed the heartfelt reasoning behind his decision to end a glittering seven-year spell with Manchester City. The German midfielder, whose final act as captain was to lift the Champions League trophy, insists his move to FC Barcelona was driven by a profound personal feeling, not the promise of a more lucrative contract.
A Chapter Concluded: Gündogan's Emotional Etihad Farewell
Gündogan, 33, articulated that after a period of immense success under Pep Guardiola, he experienced an innate sense of closure. "There was not one specific moment, but I just felt that my cycle there was completed," he explained. This sentiment of a journey reaching its natural endpoint was the primary catalyst for seeking a new adventure, despite the club's strong desire for him to stay.
Barcelona's Project Outweighed Financial Temptations
Dismissing speculation that his exit was financially motivated, Gündogan highlighted the magnetic pull of Barcelona's storied history and ambitious project. He acknowledged that while other clubs offered "a lot more financially", the opportunity to help rebuild the Catalan giants was an irreplaceable challenge he felt compelled to accept.
Pep Guardiola's Understanding and the Weight of Captaincy
The transition was made smoother by the unwavering support and understanding of his now-former manager, Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard respected Gündogan's need for a fresh start, demonstrating the strong mutual respect forged between them. Reflecting on his final season, Gündogan also touched on the immense honour and responsibility of captaining a team of world-class talents to a historic Treble, cementing his legacy as a modern-day City legend.
