Barcelona signing Ilkay Gundogan admits it was difficult informing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola his plans to leave.

Gundogan's Bosman move to Barca was announced yesterday.

He recalled breaking the news to Guardiola: "It was one of the hardest phone calls I've had to make. All I could do was say thank you. Not just for this season and for all the trophies, but for bringing me to Manchester.

"I will never forget when I injured my knee at the end of the season with Borussia Dortmund and had to have surgery, I was afraid City didn't want me anymore. Pep called me on the phone and told me they would wait no matter how long it took to recover.

"Maybe he was hoping we'd leave together the way we came, but I know he understands my decision. I'm sure me going to his club helps."