Barcelona President Laporte has described why Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan left the club as a solely sporting decision.
Gundogan returned to Manchester City in the current transfer window after spending just one season at Catalonia club after signing a two-year deal.
Current boss Hansi Flick sees Ilkay as surplus to requirements after the arrival of Spanish international Dani Olmo.
Laporta said, “It has been a decision solely and exclusively for sporting reasons”.
“Following the signing of Dani Olmo, the role of Gundogan was not clear, because they shared a very similar position”.
“He’s an excellent person and player”. Laporte added.
