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Ilkay Gundogan "very happy" at Barcelona amid exit talk

Ilkay Gundogan
© Reuters
Experienced midfielder Ilkay Gundogan insists that he is "very happy" at Barcelona amid suggestions that he wants to leave Camp Nou.

Ilkay Gundogan has insisted that he is "very happy" at Barcelona amid suggestions that the midfielder is already looking to leave the Catalan outfit.

The 33-year-old has been a vital player for Barcelona since his arrival from Manchester City over the summer, making 19 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and five assists in the process.

Gundogan penned a two-year deal at Camp Nou, with the option of a further 12 months, but there have recently been claims that he is already unhappy with life at the club.

The midfielder's agent has been forced to deny suggestions that he held talks with Galatasaray over a move to the Turkish outfit for his client.

Gundogan, speaking ahead of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, has insisted that he is "very happy" at the club from both a personal and sporting point of view.

Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring against Real Madrid on October 28, 2023© Reuters

"I have found a home, with the family we feel happy and, on a sporting level, I am playing all the games," he told beIN Sports.

"I need to get used to it. There is a lot of noise around. Everything is analyzed a lot. I need time to adapt, to a new country, a new culture, a new city, new people, and a new way of playing football, but I'm very happy."

Gundogan also addressed the comments that he made after El Clasico, with the midfielder critical of his teammates for their reaction to the loss to Real Madrid.

"I don't want to say anything wrong, but I was in the dressing room and there was disappointment, but to be honest, I would've liked to see more frustration and anger," Gundogan told La Liga TV at the time.

Barcelona players celebrate after Ilkay Gundogan scores against Real Madrid on October 28, 2023© Reuters

"There should be stronger feelings. I did not come here to lose these types of matches. There is also a responsibility from myself to not allow the squad to let things happen. We need resistance."

In response to a question on his post-match views, Gundogan said: "I can't influence how people take it. I said my honest opinion, without attacking anyone or anything. Whenever I criticise the team I include myself, I start with myself.

"I have enough experience to know how this business works. First, I look in the mirror and judge myself, and not others.

"Even if we win, I will always see things to improve. Maybe it's my way of being, my mentality, but I never do it with bad intentions."

Gundogan has netted once and provided three assists in 14 La Liga appearances this season, while he has two assists in five Champions League outings.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37297187266194
2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
18CadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


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