Barcelona Hit Back at Ilkay Gundogan’s Claims Over Manchester City Transfer
Ilkay Gundogan’s surprise return to Manchester City has sparked controversy, with the German midfielder claiming his departure from Barcelona was financially driven. However, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has strongly denied these claims, insisting that Gundogan’s decision to leave was purely sporting.
Gundogan, who left City in 2022 to join Barcelona, made the shocking move back to the Etihad Stadium last month. In a statement, he revealed that he was leaving Barcelona due to limited playing time, but also hinted that his departure could benefit the club financially.
However, Laporta has rubbished these claims, stating that Gundogan’s decision to leave was a sporting one. "Ilkay Gündogan is an excellent player and person. The year we have had with him has been fantastic," Laporta said. "After a meeting with Flick and assessing the situation of the squad, he decided that he wanted to leave. It is a sporting decision, exclusively. With the incorporation of Dani Olmo, he was a player who performs a similar function to that of Gündo."
Laporta also emphasized that Gundogan’s return to City was a sporting decision, with the club bringing him back without a transfer fee. "It was a sporting decision of the player and the club. I have heard that it is a financial decision, but no. It’s a sporting decision, by Barça, by Gündogan and by City because he has been brought back."
Gundogan’s departure from Barcelona was not the only surprise transfer decision made by the club. Laporta also revealed that the club had decided not to bring back Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who were both on loan. "When Deco and Flick planned the squad, they have decided not to include them [Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix]. They were on loan and have gone separate ways. Felix is at Chelsea and Cancelo is in Saudi Arabia."
The controversy surrounding Gundogan’s transfer has sparked debate among football fans and pundits alike. While some have praised Gundogan for making a bold move to return to City, others have criticized him for his perceived lack of loyalty to Barcelona.
As the transfer window continues to unfold, it’s clear that Gundogan’s decision to return to City has sent shockwaves through the football world. Whether or not his claims about his departure from Barcelona are true, one thing is certain – this is a transfer saga that will continue to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.
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