Barcelona president Joan Laporta has insisted Ilkay Gundogan‘s exit was purely a sporting decision.
Gundogan surprisingly returned to the Etihad Stadium after just one season at the Catalan club.
Barca were reportedly keen to offload Gundogan to reduce their wage bill. But Laporta insists the 33-year-old has simply decided the proposed deal did not align with his personal goals.
“He is a great player and a great person. The years we spent with him showed us what kind of person he is, but after meeting with Flick and assessing the situation of the team. He decided he wanted to leave,” Laporta told ยูฟ่าเบท http://ufabet999.app. “It was a purely sporting decision, not a financial one, but the financial consequences have benefited us.
Gundogan’s exit comes as a shock, especially after he played a crucial role for Barca last season. Despite his contributions, the experienced midfielder was informed. By the club’s new coach, Hansi Flick, that his starting spot was no longer guaranteed.
However, in a farewell message to Barcelona fans last month, Gundogan hinted that his decision to leave. Was partly motivated by a desire to help the club alleviate its financial difficulties.
“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,” he wrote.
“Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”
“It was a decision between Barca and Gundogan. He came on a free transfer and it would be fair if he also wanted to go to Manchester City on a free transfer. It has an impact on our accounts, but the reason is the sporting decision of the player.”