Germany international Ilkay Gundogan has explained why he decided to leave Manchester City for Barcelona.
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On Monday morning, the Catalan club announced that they had completed the signing of the 32-year-old midfielder, who decided against extending his contract in England after seven years.
Gundogan, who contributed to an incredible 100 goals at City, has since admitted he was inspired after discussing a potential free-agent switch to Xavi Hernandez and said representing the Blaugrana has been a lifelong dream of his.
"If I was going to move, there is only one club in the world that made sense. It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt someday," he wrote, according to Barca Universal.
"I am confident that I have more years left at the top level, and I just want to help bring Barcelona back to where they deserve to be.
"It will be a reunion with my old friend Lewa [Robert Lewandowski], and I'm excited to play under another manager who I have admired for a long time.
"When Xavi and I talked about the project, it seemed so natural. I see many similarities between us as characters and in the way we see the game.
"I know there's going to be a lot of pressure at Barcelona. But I love pressure. I love to get out of my comfort zone."
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Gundogan has penned a two-year deal with Barcelona that includes the option of a further 12 months, with his contract also including a staggering €400 million (R8.1 billion) release clause.
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