Ilkay Gundogan Makes Triumphant Return to Manchester City Following Brief Stint at FC Barcelona

Manchester City, the English champions, have officially signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year deal. Gundogan returns to City after a successful first stint where he won five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. The midfielder spent seven seasons at the Etihad before joining Barcelona in June 2023. Just 16 days after leading City to a historic treble with a Champions League victory over Inter in Istanbul, Gundogan made the move to La Liga.

“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch. 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,” said Gundogan to Man City's media team.

In the course of his remarkable first stint at the Club, the German won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League, making 304 appearances and scoring 60 goals.

After one full season at Barcelona, which saw him play 51 times in all competitions and help the Catalan giants finish second in La Liga, the 33-year-old is back at City as the side aims to make it five Premier League titles in succession.

“To have the opportunity to return here means so much. Everyone knows my respect for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him daily makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want," he said.

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"I cannot wait to work with him again. And what can I say about my teammates 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,” he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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