Barcelona midfielder İlkay Gündoğan has made a sensational return to Manchester City on a free transfer – just 14 months after he left for Spain.
Gündoğan, 33, signed a one-year contract with the Etihad side, with an option of a further year, after he had left them in June 2023 following the expiration of his contract.
The former City captain, who wore the armband during their treble-winning season in 2022/23, was announced via the club’s social media platforms on Friday afternoon.
In order to facilitate the move back to City, the German international, who called time on his illustrious career with Die Mannschaft recently, will forgo the remaining two years of his salary he would be owed by the Spanish LALIGA giants.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” Gundogan told the club’s website.
“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 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 featured 51 times in all competitions for the Catalans, netting five goals and providing an impressive 14 assists, but was told he would not form part of new head coach Hansi Flick’s plans for the 2024/25 campaign.
