'Barcelona fan' Gundogan reveals reasons for ditching Manchester City

Gundogan turned down a contract offer at Manchester City in favour of a move to Barcelona, just two weeks after he completed the treble.

His arrival is a significant coup for Barca boss Xavi Hernandez as he looks to add more creativity to a side heavily reliant on Spain international Pedri.

The 32-year-old revealed he was drawn as a teenager to the great Barcelona teams led by Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola. 

"I remember when I was a child and I saw Rijkaard and Pep's Barca. I'm a Barca fan, I've always followed them closely every season and I am very happy and very proud to be part of this team," the German international said via Mundo Deportivo.

Gundogan also spoke about the role Xavi played in his decision.

 "I spoke with him several times before signing and I think we thought of football in the same way, the same as when he was a player and I as I am now. I think our way of thinking and our characters are similar, I had a great connection with him," he explained.