Ilkay Gundogan has officially made his return to Manchester City just one year after departing for Barcelona. The midfielder signed a one-year deal to rejoin the Premier League champions, with Barcelona allowing him to leave on a free transfer. Despite the move, he will be unable to reclaim his previous number 8 shirt, now worn by new signing Mateo Kovacic. Instead, Gundogan will take the number 19 for the upcoming season.
Gundogan expressed his joy about returning to Manchester, where he had spent seven successful years before his brief stint in La Liga. His time at City was marked by personal and professional growth, along with a deep connection to the club’s fan base. Reflecting on his return, he shared, “To come back here means a great deal to me.”
The German midfielder spoke highly of his relationship with City’s manager, Pep Guardiola. During his initial time at the club, Gundogan thrived under Guardiola’s guidance, and he is excited to resume working with the renowned coach. “Everyone knows how much I respect Pep – he is the top manager in the world,” Gundogan said. “Playing for him pushes you to new heights, and that’s what any footballer would wish for in their career.”
In addition to his admiration for Guardiola, Gundogan expressed his enthusiasm for reuniting with his former teammates. Calling them “world-class footballers,” he is eager to train and compete alongside them once again, feeling energized about what lies ahead in the season.
During his time at Barcelona, Gundogan kept a close eye on Manchester City’s performances and was impressed by the high standards they maintained throughout the season. He noted that City’s level of play has set a benchmark for teams across the football world. “The football that Man City played last season and in previous years is always at the very top,” he remarked.
Now back in familiar territory, Gundogan is determined to help City continue its pursuit of greatness. He acknowledged the privilege of returning to such a competitive environment and is hopeful that his contributions will help the team achieve even greater success than in previous campaigns. “Being able to play at this level and compete again is a privilege,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to making a meaningful impact for the club this season.
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