Manchester City has completed the signing of former captain Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months.
Gundogan previously spent seven years at City, joining in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing, before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.
During his initial spell at City, Gundogan won 14 trophies and scored 60 goals in 304 appearances.
The 33-year-old German midfielder expressed his excitement about returning to the Etihad, stating, “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.”
Gundogan praised Guardiola, saying, “Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world, and working with him every day makes you a better player.
Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.” Despite a successful debut campaign in Spain, Barcelona parted ways with Gundogan due to financial constraints, allowing him to rejoin City on a free transfer.
Gundogan acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure from Barcelona, writing on Instagram, “I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”
He expressed gratitude for his time at Barcelona
Pep Guardiola revealed that the opportunity to re-sign Gundogan was unexpected but welcomed the midfielder’s return.
“It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility to re-sign him was open, and we’re absolutely delighted that he’s back,” Guardiola said.
Gundogan, who was capped 82 times for Germany, announced his international retirement following Germany’s Euro 2024 exit in the quarter-finals to Spain.
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