Gundogan says it is ‘not appropriate’ to judge Barca's economy as a player

Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said on Wednesday that "the fact that Pep (Guardiola) wanted me back was enough" for him to make the decision to return to Manchester City, with whom he has signed until 2025.

"The fact that Pep was so positive from the start and wanted me back was enough," he said in an interview with German newspaper Sport Bild.

The 33-year-old said he had ‘more offers’ but made clear: "If I leave Barca, it is to return to Manchester City", and insisted that he continues to have his flat in the British city, where he felt ‘very comfortable’ for seven seasons, in which he won five league titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

On the financial reasons for his departure from Barcelona, Gundogan said that "it is not appropriate as a player to judge these things", and stressed that he wishes "with all his heart that Barca regain their calm and, with it, success".

"No, I didn't get the feeling that Hansi no longer wanted me. We talk a lot about football, we have a good relationship and I am very grateful to him. But there was a lot of commotion in the media and around me," he said.

"I want to respect all parties involved in the club and that's why I don't want to go into details now. City showed interest again and then everything happened very quickly. I think in the end we found a solution that worked for all parties," he concluded.