Gundogan talks Xavi, Lewandowski, Guardiola, Pedri, Silva, Busquets at Barcelona presentation | OneFootball
Ilkay Gundogan is perhaps Barcelona’s most awaited signing of the summer. The treble-winning former Manchester City captain moved to Catalonia on a free transfer earlier this summer, and the club officially unveiled him as a Blaugrana today.
Gundogan will join Xavi Hernandez in pre-season training on Tuesday and will travel to the United States with the squad to take part in the friendlies.
Monday’s events began with a private signing of his contract as a player of FC Barcelona at the offices of Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The 32-year-old then spoke on the field and began with an account of his early associations with the club as a fan.
“Well, my first impressions are extremely positive. I am very excited and grateful to be part of this club. I remember when I was a kid watching Barça every game, on weekdays, on weekends. From Rijkaard, Pep of course.”
The veteran went on to highlight how many of his idols were players of the Catalan institution and the honour he felt donning the garnet-and-blue stripes.
“I had many players here as an idol, who are now legends. So I am very proud to be here in front of all of you in this magnificent club.”
Gundogan then formally thanked Joan Laporta, Mateu Alemany, and Jordi Cruyff for their relentless work to make the signing possible saying,
“I want to thank you President, the whole board, Mateu Alemany, Jordi Cruyff who was a part of me being here. It’s amazing to be here, and as I said, it’s a pleasure and a pride to be here and I can’t wait for the first game. I want to win, I want to keep winning here.”
He wound up his on-field comments with a brief mention of the quality of Barcelona’s squad and the rise of a special team in the years to come.
“I think there is great potential in this
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