Barcelona: Ilkay Gundogan Reveals Pep Guardiola's Reaction to Him Leaving Manchester City

(Photo : LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images) FC Barcelona's newly-signed German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan poses for pictures with the ball during his official presentation at the Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi on July 17, 2023.

FC Barcelona officially presented new signing Ilkay Gundogan today at the club's Joan Gamper training ground in Sant Joan Despi.

An 'exciting new challenge' for İlkay Gündoğan
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 17, 2023

The 32-year-old shared that he was proud to don the Blaugrana colors and said, "Let's win as much as possible together" on his social media post.

The former Manchester City captain also shared the reaction of his then-manager, Pep Guardiola, when he informed him of the move to Spain.

Gundogan revealed that Guardiola took his departure sadly, but there was also a bit of happiness because the midfielder was going to move to his childhood club.

The German added that Guardiola is proud of Barcelona, and he still watches all their games and remains a big supporter of the Catalan club.

Ilkay Gundogan describes similarities between Barcelona and Manchester City

It is no secret that Guardiola brought some of the philosophies he learned from Barca to Manchester.

The two-time treble-winning manager spent most of his youth and playing career with the Spanish giants, as well as managing the club for four years to unthinkable heights.

"The style is very similar to what I played at City. Guardiola and Xavi are very similar. I felt a connection with Xavi from the first moment we talked. When I spoke to him I knew they were on the right track," the midfielder said.

Gundogan also wants to be a part of Barcelona's comeback among the European elites after years of struggle and rebuilding. He thinks the club is in a very good position and on an upward trajectory.