Xavi: "Ilkay Gündogan prioritised Barça and that says a lot about him"

Xavi Hernández gave his first impressions during the presentation of the 'Campus Xavi Hernández by Santander' of Ilkay Gündogan's signing for FC Barcelona. Gündogan joins the Catalan giants after his successful seven-year spell at Manchester City.

Xavi said he is "a versatile player in midfield, who adapts to all midfield positions, experienced, a winner of the last Champions League and who was also the captain of Manchester City. He is very well-prepared and prioritised Barça over other options. That says a lot about him. He has told us that he wants to succeed at Barça and I am sure he will help us a lot."

For the Barça coach, what happened with Gündogan is "a great summary of what the Barça brand is. I haven't come across any player who has said no to us straight away. People have seen that we are competitive again. The signing of Gündogan is another example. He has prioritised coming here. He is a very humble player. He has the dream of succeeding at Barça. The 'Barça brand' is spectacular."

The Barça coach made the comments at the presentation of his Soccer School, which this year reaches its 25th edition, and which was held at the Banco Santander facilities on Barcelona's Passeig de Gràcia.