The return is perfect: İlkay Gündoğan is moving to Manchester City on a free transfer after a year at FC Barcelona. There he will meet his biggest fan again.
After retiring from the national team, İlkay Gündoğan 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 Gündoğan 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.
“Pep is the best coach in the world”
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 Gündoğan a year ago, but he decided to do something new. Now the two are reuniting. “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 İlkay Gündoğan.
According to consistent media reports, the Catalans, who have been coached by former national coach Hansi Flick since this season, had previously told İlkay Gündoğan that he should leave during this transfer window. Gündogan’s advisor and uncle İlhan had stated on August 8 that although some clubs were interested, his nephew wanted to stay. Flick recently reported a conversation with Gündoğan, but did not give any details.
Successful duo Guardiola and Gündoğan reunited
Manchester with Guardiola and Gündoğan: 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, İlkay Gündoğan 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.
İlkay Gundogan
From boy from Gelsenkirchen to head of the national team
“I’m married, but I adore Gündoğan,” Guardiola once joked. starIn an interview from June, the Spaniard raved about the qualities of the Gelsenkirchen native: “İlkay didn’t talk much, but when he did, everyone listened, including me as manager. He is a very smart player, one of the smartest I have ever coached. He was a key to our success.” Now more could be added.
Source: Stern
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