Ilkay Gundogan reveals why he left Barcelona after just one season – ‘It was better to leave because…’

Ilkay Gundogan has finally lifted the lid on his surprise Barcelona departure in the summer of 2024, marking the end of a brief but impactful spell in Catalonia.

After a standout 2023-24 campaign in which he was a mainstay in Xavi’s midfield, the German international opted for a return to Manchester City, a move that raised eyebrows across Europe.

In a heartfelt reflection, Gundogan explained his reasoning with remarkable honesty. “I always dreamed of playing for Barça, and I’ve fulfilled it,” he said, as quoted by SPORT.

“I had a conversation with Xavi in April 2024 about my future. We had a good relationship, and we played well. But in the end, only Real Madrid were too strong.”

Despite being one of Xavi’s most trusted players throughout the season, Gundogan felt a shift in the club’s intentions. “Originally, they signed me to bring experience and leadership to the squad,” he noted.

“In the end, I thought it was better to leave. Even at the club, I perceived that despite what I considered a very decent season, they were in favour, mainly for economic reasons.