MANCHESTER-. Ilkay Gundogan is back with the Manchester City for a sequel that few expected.
A year after he left the BarcelonaThe former Germany midfielder completed his return to City on a free transfer on Friday for one year with the option for a further year.
Gundogan, 33, captained the team as they won the Premier League-FA Cup-Champions League treble in 2022-23.
He thus confirmed his place in the Parthenon of City’s greats after being in the talks with his two late goals against Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021-22 campaign and which led to victory and confirmed the league title.
He spent seven years with City after arriving in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing and was frequently the manager’s choice for important moments and significant goals.
“To have the opportunity to come back here means a lot to me,” said Gundogan. “Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best coach in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged and as a professional that is exactly what you need. I can’t wait to work with him again.”
Bringing Gundogan back was a late decision by City. The German was one of Xavi Hernandez’s favourites in his one-off season with the Catalan club, but Barcelona’s delicate financial situation forced new manager Hansi Flick to let him go.
Gundogan suggested the same in a post on social media site X.
“I gave my all to fight for the team and the club in the best possible way in this difficult season and I was excited to be able to help my teammates in a new campaign,” Gundogan wrote. “I am now leaving in a difficult situation, but my departure may help the team financially, which makes me a little sad.”
Gundogan usually plays as a central midfielder and could be used as a replacement for Spaniard Rodri if he needs a rest. He knows Guardiola’s style of play very well so he will probably not need an adjustment period.
Gundogan captained Germany at the recent European Championships but announced his retirement from international football this week.
In his last game for City he lifted the Champions League trophy by beating Inter Milan in Istanbul in June 2023. The team’s next game is at home to Ipswich in the Premier League on Saturday.
His departure from Barcelona will help the team to register midfielder Dani Olmo. The club had had to wait due to the financial rules of the Spanish league.
