Gundogan: ‘I didn’t know football’ before meeting Guardiola

Alex KirklandJul 25, 2023 09:52 ESTReading: 4 minutes

Gundogan, 32, left Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for Barcelona for free after seven seasons in the Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan He said ESPN He ‘didn’t know anything about football’ before working with him guardiolawhile praising the new boss Javi Hernandez As “Unbelievable” and his team barcelona Because it has “huge potential”.

Gundogan32 years old, left manchester city of Guardiola for him Barcelona free after seven seasons Super League.

Won five league titles, two FA Cupfour League Cups and Champions League during his tenure manchesterLast season’s historic treble culminated.

“Before I joined manchester city

I thought I knew football,” said Gundogan arrive ESPN on Monday. “I was 25 or 26 and I’ve seen a lot. I played a final Champions League.But now, after seven years in school vitalityI would like to say that I didn’t know anything about football before. His impact on the team and me personally was huge. “

Gundogan described last season’s victory as a “dream land” but said now was the right time to leave, arguing that “if I want to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone, now is the time.”

The Germany international added: “I’ve loved it since I was a kid. barcelona.with players like Ronaldinho and (Lionel Messiand then (Sergio Busquets, (Andres) Iniesta, Xavi…I always tell myself that when I get the chance one day, I don’t want to miss it. “

Barcelona win alliance last season of the first full season Harvey 10 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid to claim their first league title since 2019.

“My first impression ( Harvey) was fantastic, exactly what I was expecting,” said Gundogan. “We had a conversation on the phone before the transfer and he explained to me some things, his (football) thinking, which has to do with manchester city

…We’ve developed a great connection and it’s only going to get better. “

“I know(Robert Lewandowski) for a long time,” he said when asked about his new team-mate. “I know (the goalkeeper) Mark (Ter Stegen)) … the team is strong and has a lot of young players with great potential. “

Gundogan Will compete with other rookies for the Barcelona midfield position Oriol Romeu, Frankie de Jong and young people Pedro and Garvey.

“I think my role is to help them and make them shine on the pitch,” he said when asked about his latest pair. “Frankie is still young too…I think I can be a player who can help and Guide their people and try to get them to express themselves more.” Pre-season first friendly Barcelona

During his trip to the United States, against Juventuswhich was canceled due to a gastroenteritis outbreak on campus.

They have to race him. arsenal Wednesday vs. Inglewood, Calif. madrid Saturday’s Nationals in Arlington, Texas, against AC Milan exist las vegas Tuesday, August 1st.

“(The Clasico) is the most important competition in the world,” he said. Gundogan. “The past seven years, if not earlier, when I was GermanyWhen the national derby comes, all football fans gather in front of the TV. It is perhaps the most prestigious competition in world football. “

game will see Gundogan Facing another former midfielder dortmund football club, Jude Bellinghamwho joined madrid A deal worth 103 million euros ($114 million) this summer.

“(Bellingham) showed his strength at such a young age. Gundogan said. “He’s impressive… with his off-ball ability and his physicality, he combines a lot of things that a modern midfielder needs. He also scored. It has a lot to offer. “