Ilkay Gündoğan is again at Manchester City, rejoining the Premier League champions on a one-year take care of an choice for an extra yr.
The 33-year-old German midfielder, who left City for Barcelona in 2023 after captaining them to a treble, returns following a profitable spell in Spain.
Gündoğan would possibly make his return to the sphere as early as Saturday’s match in opposition to Ipswich Town on the Etihad Stadium.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” Gündoğan mentioned. “I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans, and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.”
Gündoğan returns after successful 14 main trophies with City, together with 5 Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Although he had two years remaining on his contract at Barcelona, he was advised the membership wouldn’t stand in his method if he wished to go away.
“After just one year, it’s already time to say goodbye,” Gündoğan mentioned in a social media publish. “I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club in a difficult season. Now I am leaving in a tough situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”
Gündoğan made 51 appearances final season, serving to Barcelona to a second-place end in La Liga.
His return is a lift for City, who bought Argentina ahead Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and are with out winger Oscar Bobb for as much as 4 months after he broke his leg in coaching.
Gündoğan joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing of his managerial tenure.
“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,” Gündoğan mentioned. “You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
Gündoğan scored 60 targets in 304 appearances for Guardiola’s facet, netting twice in City’s 2-1 win over Manchester United within the 2023 FA Cup closing, together with the quickest objective in closing historical past, inside 13 seconds.
Gündoğan just lately introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer after 82 appearances, captaining Germany at Euro 2024.
Source: www.dailysabah.com