Ilkay Gundogan recalls Barcelona stint: “I don’t regret anything”

The most shocking moment of Barcelona’s recently concluded summer transfer window was the departure of Ilkay Gundogan.

The German superstar left the club in a whirlwind for the time between rumours of his departure to his actual exit was only a matter of days.

While it was not a personal decision, Gundogan’s departure was a decision taken for the greater good of the club as revealed by the player himself as it eventually allowed the club to register the likes of Dani Olmo for La Liga.

The German, meanwhile, is back with the club he led to a sextuple and is enjoying his time in the Premier League.

Gundogan talks about his time with Barcelona

Speaking to Dail Mail (h/t Mundo Deportivo) in a recent interview, the former Barcelona midfielder recounted his days in Catalonia and revealed how it was a dream come true to play for the club.

“I think I had a successful time at Barcelona. I mean apart from anything, I played for one of the biggest teams in the world.”

“I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams, playing for Barca and wearing that badge,” he added.

He then did away with the notion that his season in Catalonia was a failure, emphasising that the team did not do poorly but were outdone by a high-level Real Madrid.

“At Barça, at the end of the season we had 85 points, 3 less than when we won La Liga. It was a hard experience, but fantastic. I don’t regret anything.”

Feels privileged to play for Barcelona

Still recalling the memories from his days in Spain, the German star spoke on how matters would have been very different under different circumstances and whether he had any regrets.

“I feel privileged to have played in Barcelona. In other circumstances, perhaps things would have been different.”

“It was a hard experience, but also fantastic. So I don’t regret anything,” he added.

Finally, the midfield veteran commented on his unexpected return to Manchester City and how it is going for him in the Premier League once more.

“When I was sure that it would be amazing to return, I talked to Pep (Guardiola). I called him and asked him if he imagined it. It was something I personally wanted to do and I didn’t have much to lose.”

“I was a little nervous beforehand, but it was a nice call. Obviously, my relationship with Pep was always good,” he added.

Finally, he revealed that he was, in fact, in contact with Guardiola even through his time in Spain. “Although I was in Barcelona last year, we had some calls between us. In fact, we also saw each other there once,” he concluded.