'Help the club financially' - Ilkay Gundogan fires parting shot at Barcelona after completing Man City return following just one 'difficult season' at Camp Nou

Gundogan joined Barcelona last season as a free agent following his departure from Manchester City after captaining them to an iconic treble-winning season. However, just over a year after making the shift to sunny Catalonia, Gundogan has now been forced to leave the club due to Barcelona's unstable financial situation. The Catalan side have not been able to register their new €55 million (£46m) signing, Dani Olmo, and have parted ways with Gundogan to make space in their wage bill.

Gundogan has now rejoined Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, who were very keen to bring back their star to the Etihad for free. Following the announcement of his departure from the Catalan side, Gundogan has now penned an emotional letter to Barcelona fans and expressed his sadness at having to leave the club so quickly but said that he accepted the move as it would 'help the club financially' and help them on their way back to being one of the world's best clubs.

In his farewell message to Barcelona fans, Gundogan said: "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 in 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 Barca!

"Best wishes, Ilkay."

The German international has already returned to Manchester and could even be involved in Guardiola's squad on Saturday, August 24 when City take on Ipswich Town at home.

Barcelona's wage bill has now been slightly less burdened with the departure of Gundogan, however, they are still expected to be unable to register Olmo for this weekend's match against Athletic Club on Saturday.