A Clasico always leaves its mark in Spain. Ilkay Gündogan learned this the hard way. After Barça’s defeat against Real Madrid (2-1) at the end of October, he made some pretty harsh comments towards the team he joined this summer. “After such an important match and a negative result, I would like to see more anger and disappointment. That’s part of the problem. (…) I didn’t come here to lose these types of matches like that or to allow gaps like that to be visible.” The local press needed no more.
This even evoked unease around the German midfielder. Accustomed to the services and professionalism of Manchester City where he had just spent 7 years with, to conclude, a fabulous treble, including a Champions League, the former captain of the Cityzens was surprised by the difference with Barça. For example, he regretted not having been helped with his move, or even with finding this new accommodation. Other recruits also mentioned these concerns which they had not encountered in the other clubs where they played.
Ilhan Gündogan debunks the rumors
Quickly, and while he is a permanent fixture in Xavi’s starting lineup, Gündogan was the subject of rumors of a hasty departure. Members of Galatasaray management even met his agent after the Turks’ match in Munich in the Champions League on November 8, according to revelations from Bild. More recently, there was information from a Saudi newspaper which reported discussions with local clubs. Xavi even had fun with it yesterday. “Gündogan is looking for a house here, a Saudi newspaper said he wanted to go there? Choukrane (thank you in Arabic, editor’s note).”
He was less smiling but Ilhan Gündogan, the agent of the German international (73 caps, 19 goals) resolved to break the silence. “The news appearing in the press these days does not reflect the truth. I didn’t meet anyone from Galatasaray before the Bayern match. There was no discussion, no meeting or anything about Ilkay. Neither I nor Ilkay can understand how this news came about. Ilkay is very happy at Barcelona and is focused on what he wants to achieve there and his goals.” it has the merit of being clear and putting an end to the soap opera.
