Ilkay Gundogan has left Manchester City after seven years at the Etihad and claims manager Pep Guardiola hoped the pair would head for the exit door together.
The 32-year-old was Guardiola's first signing at City and it proved to be an inspiring one. The pair were incredibly close throughout their shared time in Manchester, with Gundogan living next door to his manager. The ex-Germany international was always good value to step up at the biggest moments, much like he did last season.
Whether it be his remarkable brace away at Everton when the title race was really hotting up, or his volley inside the opening 16 seconds of the FA Cup rivals against fierce rivals Manchester United, Gundogan was a man for the big occasion. That's exactly why City were keen on keeping him at the club, though they failed to offer the two-year deal the player was after.
