September 6th 2023.
Ilkay Gundogan recently revealed why he chose to join Barcelona over Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The 32-year-old midfielder had been offered a two-year contract by the Gunners but instead opted to sign for La Liga champions Barcelona on a free transfer.
Gundogan said that his ambition to sign for Barcelona was a "childhood dream", and that Manchester City's delay in intensifying contract talks also played a part in his decision.
He told BILD: "I'm honest. And many people don't know this: In the end, it wasn't about a year or two. There was no problem with the running time. City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified.
"If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different. So in the end it was the perfect ending, it couldn't have come at a better time. It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona."
Since his switch to Barcelona, Gundogan has started all four of their La Liga matches, providing two assists. However, he still keeps a close eye on his former club, Manchester City, and recently had a farewell party with Riyad Mahrez.
Gundogan said: "So far I've watched almost every game of my former club on TV, yes. I was in Manchester again before the start of the season and had a farewell party with Riyad Mahrez, which all the players also came to. That was a very nice goodbye. And contact with ex-colleagues and coaches will certainly continue."
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