German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is rearing to go following his return to Premier League side Manchester City.
The 33-year-old rejoined City on Friday on a free transfer from La Liga side Barcelona following a one-year spell at the Catalan club.
What you’ve all been waiting for…
Welcome back to City, @IlkayGuendogan 🩵 pic.twitter.com/8VutEkQNRU
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2024
Gundogan, who spent seven years at City from 2016 to 2023, has signed a one-year deal plus the option of a further year, and the German is looking forward to lining up for Pep Guardiola’s men once again.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” Gundogan said during an interview with the club’s media.
“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. 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. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
“And what can I say about my team-mates here at City…they are world-class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again,” the former Germany international concluded.
Gundogan played 305 times for the reigning Premier League champions, scoring 60 goals and providing 38 assists in his first stint at the club. He won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League, which he lifted as the team’s captain.
The midfielder joined City from Borussia Dortmund as Guardiola’s first signing at City, and the Spanish manager is delighted to have his talisman back in the side as they continue their pursuit of a fifth straight Premier League title.
“When managers say, ‘this is the transfer window, anything can happen’, this is the real proof,” Guardiola said.
“It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open. Absolutely delighted he’s back.
“He knows what we want to do, he doesn’t need to adapt, he knows the city, the club, the way we want to play. He’ll immediately settle good.”
Gundogan, who becomes City’s second summer signing after the arrival of Savinho from French side Troyes in a £33.6 million deal, will wear the No. 19 jersey recently won by the departed Julian Alvarez, who secured a big money move to Atletico Madrid.
