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Ilkay Gundogan has revealed his reason for swapping Manchester for Barcelona ahead of his official unveiling.
Gundogan turned down a contract offer at Manchester City in favour of a move to Barcelona, just two weeks after he completed the treble.
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His arrival is a significant coup for Barca boss Xavi Hernandez as he looks to add more creativity to a side heavily reliant on Spain international Pedri.
Gundogan on swapping Man City for Barca
The 32-year-old revealed he was drawn as a teenager to the great Barcelona teams led by Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola.
"I remember when I was a child and I saw Rijkaard and Pep's Barca. I'm a Barca fan, I've always followed them closely every season and I am very happy and very proud to be part of this team," the German international said via Mundo Deportivo.
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Gundogan also spoke about the role Xavi played in his decision.
"I spoke with him several times before signing and I think we thought of football in the same way, the same as when he was a player and I as I am now. I think our way of thinking and our characters are similar, I had a great connection with him," he explained.
Revealed! The ridiculous buyout clause in Gundogan's Barcelona contract
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![Victor Osimhen now 1 goal behind Segun Odegbami on the top 10 Super Eagles all-time highest goalscorers list [2024]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/07092024/bf60f5be-dba8-4266-b7d1-eba64d09a879.jpg?operations=fit(600:))
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