Ilkay Gundogan issues statement confirming Barcelona exit and opens up on 'difficult situation' at the club

Ilkay Gundogan has confirmed his departure from Barcelona ahead of his expected return to Manchester City.

Gundogan joined Barcelona last summer after his City contract expired, but he has now left the Spanish club after just one season.

Barcelona need to reduce their salary expenditure in order to register new signing Dani Olmo, who they signed from RB Leipzig earlier this summer for £51 million.

The Catalan giants have agreed to let the German midfielder leave for free, while Gundogan has written off the remaining two years of his contract and the £17m in wages he would have been owed.

Gundogan has signed a one-year deal with former club City with the option of a further year and was officially confirmed as a City player on Friday morning.

On Friday the 33-year-old issued a statement on social media confirming his departure from Barca. It reads:

"Dear Culers.

"After just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it.

"I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.

"Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.

"Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs - I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life.

"I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best.

"Visca el Barça! Best wishes, Ilkay."