Barcelona star namedrops 3 players he's excited to play after summer move from UCL rivals
Ilkay Gundogan has named the three Barcelona players he's excited to work with after his free transfer from Manchester City this summer.The Germany international's arrival has assumed added importance after the exit of club legend Sergio Busquets.
In an interview with the club's media team (h/t @BarcaUniversal), Gundogan named the trio he's looking forward to play with:
"Robert Lewandowski, Marc Ter Stegen and Pedri."
Pedri's technical brilliance is there for all to see. Gundogan would hope to partner the Spaniard in central midfield when Xavi Hernandez's side commence their 2023-24 campaign.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old has already played with Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Robert Lewandowski. He has played with Ter Stegen for Germany at the youth and senior levels.
Meanwhile, Lewandowski and Gundogan played 77 times together at Borussia Dortmund from 2011 to 2014. The Polish superstar is still showing the same efficacy as he was during his 20s at Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
He won the Pichichi trophy last season with 23 goals in 34 games. Ter Stegen, too, had a campaign to remember, matching the record for most clean sheets (26) in a La Liga season.
Ilkay Gundogan says he has fulfilled his dream by joining Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan has said that it has been his 'dream' to be able to play for Barcelona.
The German midfielder spent seven hugely successful years at the Etihad, where he won 14 trophies, including the UEFA Champions League. However, an offer to join the club he had supported as a kid was too good for him to turn down.
Speaking to the aforementioned source, the former Borussia Dortmund star said:
"It’s a dream to be at Barca. I remember when I was a child and I saw Rijkaard and Pep’s Barca. I’m a Barca fan, I’ve always followed it closely every season, and I’m very happy and very proud to be part of this team."
Gundogan was 12 when Rijkaard took charge of the Blaugrana in 2003. He was at the helm until 2008, winning two La Liga, two Supercopa de Espana and the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League title.
The Dutchman was replaced by Pep Guardiola, who perfected the tiki-taka tactics that were first ushered in at the Camp Nou by Johan Cruijff when he became Barcelona manager.
A hugely successful period followed, as Guardiola won 14 trophies in four seasons, including a record six trophies in the 2009 calendar year. He would go on to sign Gundogan - his first signing at Manchester City in the summer of 2016.