Inside the phone call between Pep Guardiola and Ilkay Gundogan that had the midfielder ‘close to tears’ | OneFootball

A new in-depth report concerning Ilkay Gundogan’s breakdown in relations with FC Barcelona has revealed a phone call with Pep Guardiola leaving him ‘close to tears’.

The now-33-year-old brought an end to his seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium just last summer, fresh off the back of the club’s greatest ever single season and arguably the finest campaigns in the history of English football.

Captaining the Manchester City side to a third successive Premier League title, Ilkay Gundogan and his teammates followed up their league success with victory in the FA Cup final over Manchester United.

But their glories would not stop there, bringing home a first ever UEFA Champions League title to the Etihad Stadium in the ultimate crowning moment for the Abu Dhabi project and investment into Manchester City.

Complications over contractual negotiations would unfortunately bring an end to Ilkay Gundogan’s time with the club, as he joined FC Barcelona on a free transfer, but not without emotional heartache during a conversation with his manager.

Writing for Relevo this week, well-informed journalist Lu Martin has detailed the process and conversations that ultimately led to Gundogan joining Barcelona on a free from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.

“Ilkay Gündogan was presented as an FC Barcelona player at the Auditorio 1899. A few days earlier, he had called Josep Guardiola, his coach and neighbour at Manchester City, to tell him of his decision not to renew with the Cityzens,” Martin detailed.

“He was close to tears during the conversation, but after seven years at the Etihad and much thought, the possibility of signing for the club that as a child he had seen play the best football in the world, on the field where he always dreamed of doing so, and having a spectacular offer, proved too irresistible.

“In addition, he was leaving after being the first captain of the Sky Blues to lift a European Cup and, what’s more, to do so in Istanbul, Turkey, in the land of his parents. ‘I understand you, you’re going to a big club, you’ll be happy,’ the man from Santpedor (Pep Guardiola) excused him.”

Lu Martin continued, “His contract was ending and, as he was arriving for free, FC Barcelona was able to offer him a financial document in keeping with who Ilkay Gündogan is – yes, even today – a great footballer.”

Pep Guardiola and Ilkay Gundogan are now however on the verge of a sensational reunion at Manchester City this summer, with terms having been agreed between all parties over a one-year contract with the option to extend by a further 12 months.

City are re-signing the German midfielder on a free transfer, with the player forgoing the remainder of his Barcelona salary in order to force an exit out of the La Liga club, who have been intent on saving on the player’s wage package to register other players in their squad.