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Topics: Ilkay Gundogan, Barcelona, La Liga
Jack Kenmare
Ilkay Gundogan's relationship with the Barcelona dressing room became 'strained' after he publicly criticised one of his teammates, according to a new report.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer last summer following his exit from Manchester City, was a standout performer under Xavi.
He made 51 appearances across all competitions last season as Barcelona finished second in La Liga.
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But the German international is being heavily linked with a move away from the Camp Nou. In fact, after meeting with new manager Hansi Flick, both parties have agreed to go their separate ways, according to Cadena SER.
Flick is reportedly keen on keeping Gundogan around and after the midfielder missed their league opener against Valencia, the Barca boss said he had "a feeling" he would stay.
"I know him very well. I appreciate the player and the person he is," Flick said. "We spoke about everything, but it will stay between us. It's not for you to know. I have a feeling he will stay."
But it appears circumstances have changed in the past few days, with widespread reports claiming Manchester City are interested in bringing him back to the Etihad.
So where did it all go wrong? According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Gundogan's relationship with the Barcelona dressing room was 'strained' after he publicly criticised Ronald Araujo.
Araujo was shown a straight red card in the second leg of his side's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after bringing down Bradley Barcola, with the referee deeming him to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
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After the full-time whistle, Gundogan didn't mention the Uruguay international by name but made his feelings clear on the dismissal.
"I am very disappointed because we were in such a good position, not just after the first leg, but scoring the first goal as well," he told CBS Sports. "Everything was in our hands and we just gave it away in the most simple manner. We just gave it to PSG and that is the most disappointing part."
He added: "If he fouled him, I guess it's a red card. I haven't seen the replay. It's difficult to say, in these crucial moments, you need to be sure to get the ball.
"If you don't get it, and I don't know if he did, you have to stay away. I prefer to concede a goal there or to leave the striker one on one, even though he played the ball quite far ahead, so I don't know if he would reach the ball. But let the goalkeeper have a chance to save us or even concede a goal.
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"To get a red card, to bring a player down so early, it just kills the game."
Gundogan's decision to speak publicly on the matter didn't go down well his teammates.
In fact, the player had to explain himself the next day behind closed doors and although the issue was settled, the above report suggests there was still some 'fuzziness and resentment' afterwards.
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The report also suggests his 'huge salary' is another reason why the club wants him to leave this summer as the likes of Dani Olmo come in.