Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, says he fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for LaLiga giants, Barcelona.
Gundogan left City after the club won the treble two seasons ago. The 33-year-old left Man City after seven years to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer. But he was let go to return to the Etihad Stadium this summer, which enabled the Catalans register the likes of Dani Olmo in the Spanish topflight.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the German spoke to Daily Mail about his time in Catalonia.
“I think I had a successful time at Barcelona. I mean apart from anything, I played for one of the biggest teams in the world,” he said.
“I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams, playing for Barca and wearing that badge.”
Gundogan then discarded the idea that the only season he spent at Barcelona was a failure.
“At Barça, at the end of the season we had 85 points, 3 less than when we won La Liga. It was a hard experience, but fantastic. I don’t regret anything.”
“I feel privileged to have played in Barcelona. In other circumstances, perhaps things would have been different.”
“It was a hard experience, but also fantastic. So I don’t regret anything,” he added.
The former Borussia Dortmund star spoke on his unexpected return to City last month.
“When I was sure that it would be amazing to return, I talked to Pep (Guardiola). I called him and asked him if he imagined it. It was something I personally wanted to do and I didn’t have much to lose,” Gundogan said.
“I was a little nervous beforehand, but it was a nice call. Obviously, my relationship with Pep was always good.”
