On Saturday, Barcelona finally registered Ilkay Gundogan with LaLiga, two months on from the announcement that the German international would be joining from Manchester City.
It came just in time too, as Gundogan would have been able to leave the club as a free agent if he was not registered before Sunday’s LaLiga opener against Getafe, as per a clause in his contract.
It was also revealed that Gundogan would be taking the number 22 for Barcelona, despite having worn 14 throughout the pre-season schedule. The change has a deliberate meaning behind it, which the 32-year-old revealed himself on social media.
Gundogan’s first number at his first club, Nurnberg, was 22, so he has taken the opportunity to go full circle and take that number at Barcelona.
My old and new jersey number 2️⃣2️⃣
Good memories from the past ❤️ … and now confident about a successful season with @FCBarcelona ahead. Let's get this started … Força Barça! 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/8p17wVsjJo— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 12, 2023
Gundogan will hope that the number is a lucky one for him and Barcelona, as the reigning LaLiga champions look to defend their crown, starting with the match against Jose Bordalas’ Getafe.
