Ilkay Gundogan has suggested that he would have stayed with Manchester City this summer if the club had started contract talks sooner.
The Germany international rejected the chance to sign a new deal at the Etihad Stadium in order to make the move to Barcelona on a free transfer.
Gundogan was a vital player for Pep Guardiola's side during the 2022-23 campaign, making 51 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and registering seven assists in the process.
In total, the 32-year-old represented the Citizens on 304 occasions, scoring 60 goals and registering 40 assists, before seeking pastures new in the shape of Barcelona.
Gundogan has said that Man City waited too long to begin serious contract discussions, which heavily contributed to him deciding to depart.
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However, the German has said that it was his "childhood dream" to represent Barcelona, revealing that it was "the perfect ending" to finish as a treble winner at the Etihad Stadium.
"In the end, it wasn't about a year or two. It didn't hit the runtime. City waited a relatively long time for the talks to really get more intense. If that had happened a little earlier, the starting position would have been different," Gundogan told Bild.
"So in the end it was the perfect ending, there couldn't have been a better time. It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona."
Gundogan has been a key player for Barcelona since his arrival, making four appearances in La Liga, contributing two assists in the process.
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The midfielder has helped Xavi's side pick up 10 points from their opening four league games of the season, including wins over Cadiz, Villarreal and Osasuna.
Earlier this summer, Gundogan opened up on the importance of Xavi in terms of his decision to make the move to the Catalan giants despite being given the chance to remain in Manchester.
"First of all, he made his ideas very clear. It looks a lot like what I've done with Manchester City. His directness, his character, made me reflect on him, also how he played. From the first moment, we had a very good connection," he told reporters at the time.
"Thanks to the president and all the staff for making this possible. Especially Xavi, when I talked to him I knew he was on the right track. It's an opportunity to show who I am, new team, new country, new city and even though I'm an age, I still have a lot to show."
Gundogan is currently with the Germany squad preparing for the team's upcoming internationals with Japan and France, while Barcelona are next in action against Real Betis in La Liga on September 16.
Matt Law
