Ilkay Gundogan reflects on his time at Barcelona, hailing them a cut above the rest ahead of Tuesday’s reunion with former team-mates.
“I am not nervous, but it is a special feeling,” admitted İlkay Gundoğan in an interview with ‘Mundo Deportivo’, looking ahead to the clash between FC Barcelona and Galatasaray SK, where the midfielder currently plays.
“Barca are playing with huge dominance and confidence. To compete against a side in that form, you have to defend almost flawlessly. Right now, for me, Barca are the best team in Europe and clear favourites to win the Champions League,” he declared.
He had also long foreseen the emergence of Lamine: “From his very first training session, it was clear he had unbelievable talent. He plays with a natural ease you rarely see. I wish him only the very best.”
The playmaker was equally effusive in his praise for Rodri: “He has been the most complete holding midfielder in the world for years. Playing alongside him was a true privilege because he brings complete balance to the team. He reads the game before anyone else, wins 50-50 challenges, and dictates the tempo.”
