Barcelona midfielder saddened by Xavi’s decision to leave: “He was the reason I came here”

Ilkay Gundogan was one of Barcelona’s key bets last summer, as he joined the team on a free transfer from Manchester City.

The German international was initially expected to renew his contract at Man City, but after several talks with Xavi, he opted to embrace a new challenge at Barcelona.

However, in his first season at Barcelona, Xavi announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the campaign.

Gundogan saddened by Xavi’s departure

In a recent interview, Gundogan took a moment to express how deeply saddened he was by Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona this summer.

Gundogan explained that Xavi was the reason he had joined Barcelona in the first place and the Spaniard’s departure at the end of the season could put him in a precarious position.

“Xavi was the reason I came to Barcelona. I’m sad to see him go because I think he’s a great coach with a strong personality. In the dressing room, we respect his decision and we have to play our best for him,” Gundogan said (h/t FCB World).

What does the future hold for Gundogan?

The departure of Xavi does indeed hurt Gundogan’s prospects at Barcelona and may even put a question mark on his long-term future at the club.

The German must now prove himself in front of a new manager this summer. His job, though, could get easier if Barcelona end up hiring someone like Hansi Flick, who has an excellent relationship with the former Man City midfielder.

Gundogan’s current contract at Camp Nou expires in 2025, so Barcelona might not completely rule out a sale this coming summer.

But for the most part, it seems Gundogan will continue at Camp Nou. His experience and leadership could be key in leading an otherwise young Barcelona midfield.