New Barcelona midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan has claimed that Pep Guardiola was hoping they would leave Manchester City together.
The 32-year-old, who was Guardiola’s first signing at City, lived next door to his manager.
However, he has sealed a move away from the Premier League champions, after a trophy-laden spell in England.
“One of the hardest calls I had to make was to Pep, telling him that I was going to leave.
“I think maybe Pep was hoping that we would come here to City together and leave together, but I know that he understands my decision. I am sure it helps that I’m going to his boyhood club,” Gundogan said.
Guardiola has two years remaining on his current contract and is expected to leave City when it expires.