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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 Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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