FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that Ilkay Gundogan’s departure was down to sporting reasons. He claims that the German had no starting role at the club following the signing of Dani Olmo.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Laporta admitted that Gundogan was allowed to leave for free as he had joined them as a free agent last summer. He added that the decision to part ways was mutual and said:
“Ilkay Gündogan is an excellent player and person. The year we have had with him has been fantastic. 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.”
“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. At the time, Gündo came without a transfer fee and it was only fair that there was no transfer fee. It has had an economic impact, but the reason has been a sporting decision,” he added.
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However, Gundogan took cheeky shots at Barcelona and stated that he was leaving to help the club financially. The La Liga side are still looking to get steady with their financial status and said in his farewell message:
“Dear culers, after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club in the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.”
“Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad. Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best. Visca el Barca!” he added.
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