Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has spoken to ‘Sport Bild’ about his departure from Manchester City in this summer transfer window.

Ilkay Gundogan has spoken to the German media about his departure from Manchester City. The former Cityzens captain won the treble last season with Pep Guardiola’s side.

“City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified. If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different. So in the end it was the perfect ending, it couldn’t have come at a better time,” claimed the former Dortmund man.

“It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona. I don’t want to go into the minute details, but it was quite late in the season, ” told the midfielder to the German newspaper ‘Bild’.

The former Cityzen was asked if he still watched the games of his former team: “I have followed almost every game of my ex-club on TV,” said the Germany international. The Catalan giants’ new star was asked what it was like to play under his idol, Xavi Hernandez. The German said he talked to the coach several times on the phone before the move.

“I had a good feeling immediately. I think we are very similar in character. Even as a player, he had some aspects in his game that are also present in mine. That could be one reason why he values me,” he said. “Xavi was an extremely intelligent player who saw the value of simple but thoughtful play,” concluded the 32-year-old midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.