Former Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan had said he still has a lot to prove despite winning almost everything in club football before he left the Premier League club.
The 32-year-old German midfielder left Manchester City for FC Barcelona after helping City win the treble last season by scoring 11 goals in 51 appearances.
Ilkay Gundogan signed a two-year contract with the Spanish La Liga reigning champions after leaving City for free this summer.
Gundogan made his debut on Monday at Barcelona’s training facilities. Xavi, who played at Barcelona from 2008 to 2012 under City manager Pep Guardiola and won the Spanish Treble in 2009, will now be the coach of the German midfielder.
Gundogan, a former Manchester City Under-16s coach is eager to collaborate with Barcelona’s young midfielders, whom he dubbed “incredible” and “very talented”.
Recall that the club’s midfield duo, Pedri and Gavi won the Golden Boy award each for the best under-21 player in Europe during the previous two seasons.
During his unveiling as an FC Barcelona player on Monday, Ilkay Gundogan said, “Even though I’m older, I’m prepared for the challenge and I still have a lot to prove.”
Ilkay Gundogan during his unveiling as FC Barcelona player on Monday, July 17, 2023.
While comparing FC Barcelona’s style and that of Manchester City, Gundogan said, “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 [Barcelona] were on the right track.
“It’s an incredible team and an opportunity to be able to play in a different league and different country.
“We will try to fight for the Champions League title. It is a responsibility to wear this shirt and I will try to give my best to win as many titles as possible.”
He added: “I come with more experience because my life and my career have not been easy and I think my experience can help a lot.
“They are a very talented young group of players who do better things than me. If I can give them at least 1%, I’ll be happy.”
