- Ilkay Gundogan penned emotional goodbye to Barcelona fans on social media
- The 33-year-old detailed the 'difficult situation' that led to his premature exit
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Ilkay Gundogan said his goodbyes to Barcelona fans on social media after leaving the club just one year after his arrival.
The 33-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions for the Blaugrana last season and still had two years remaining on his deal with the Catalan club.
However ahead of the 2024-25 campaign new boss Hansi Flick informed the veteran midfielder that he could not guarantee Gundogan a starting place in his side.
This, coupled with the club's well-publicised financial troubles in recent years led to Barcelona being willing to allow him to leave on a free in order to free up funds from his reportedly £17m-a-year wages.
In a statement shared online, the former Germany international revealed that knowing his departure would help the club's financial situation had softened the blow of his early exit.
Ilkay Gundogan has bid farewell to Barcelona fans ahead of his return to Manchester City
The 33-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions in his sole season in Catalonia
New Barca boss Hansi Flick had told the midfielder that he would struggle for starts this season
'Dear culers, after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye.' Gundogan wrote on X.
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'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 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.
'Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs - I always wanted to play6 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.'
Getting rid of Gundogan is reportedly set to free up €14m (£12m) in Barcelona's fair play budget, and could allow the club to reinvest 70 per cent of these savings into new signings.
Gundogan said he is taking solace in his departure helping the club's dire financial situation
After spending a single season in LaLiga, Gundogan has agreed a deal to return to Manchester City.
The former club captain and five-time Premier League winner has signed a one-year contract with the Citizens with the option to extend his stay by a further year.
Gundogan revealed that he had found a new appreciation for Manchester City during his a year away in Barcelona after re-signing for Pep Guardiola's side.
'When you leave this place, you spend a year away and you then start to appreciate the place even more,’ Gundogan said after his return was announced.
The five-time Premier League winner has rejoined Pep Guardiola's side on a one-year deal
‘You realise what you had, how amazing the time was and how big the club is.
‘The best club in the world and I think in terms of football – getting back onto that level and coming back a year later is an incredible feeling. I am very pleased, very happy and I feel privileged to share the dressing room again with these amazing players.
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