Confirmation: Back to the old love: Gündogan back at Manchester City

Confirmation: Back to the old love: Gündogan back at Manchester City

First the retirement from the national team, now the return to Guardiola: Gündogan is leaving FC Barcelona after just one year. Now it’s back to the Etihad Stadium instead of the Camp Nou.

After retiring from the national team, Ilkay Gündogan has made the next important decision: After just one year, the 33-year-old is leaving FC Barcelona and returning to Manchester City. The midfielder has signed a contract for this season with coach Pep Guardiola’s club, with whom Gündogan won a total of 14 titles. “Having the opportunity to return means so much to me,” he said in a statement from the English champions.

Guardiola is said to have pushed for the return of his former favorite student and midfield strategist. According to media reports, the two met on Wednesday evening in a restaurant in Manchester to discuss details. Guardiola also wanted to keep Gündogan a year ago, but he decided to do something new. Now the reunion is taking place. “Everyone knows how much respect I have for Pep. He is the best coach in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player,” said Gündogan.

According to consistent media reports, the Catalans, who have been coached by former national coach Hansi Flick since this season, had previously told Gündogan that he should leave during this transfer window. Gündogan’s advisor and uncle Ilhan had stated on August 8 that although some clubs were interested, his nephew wanted to stay. Flick recently reported a conversation with Gündogan, but did not give any details.

Successful duo Guardiola and Gündogan reunited

Manchester with Guardiola and Gündogan: That was a great success story for seven years. In 2016, the Spanish star coach really wanted the then BVB star and got him. In his last City season to date, 2022/2023, Gündogan was even captain of the Citizens and led them to the treble of Champions League, championship and cup. In total, he won the English championship five times under Guardiola.

“I’m married, but I adore Gündogan,” Guardiola once joked. In an interview with “Stern” in June, the Spaniard raved about the qualities of the Gelsenkirchen native: “Ilkay didn’t talk much, but when he did, everyone listened, including me as manager. He is a very clever player, one of the cleverest I have ever coached. He was a key to our success.” Now more could be added.

Source: Stern

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