Manchester City have confirmed the return of former captain Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.
Gundogan, who guided the club to the treble in his final season as skipper, has signed a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, after joining from Barcelona.
"My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch," Gundogan said upon his return.
"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.
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
"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.”
Gundogan’s return has been confirmed in time for him to make his debut this weekend, though it remains to be seen if he will feature against Ipswich.
The German midfielder won 12 major trophies, including five Premier Leagues and the Champions League, in seven years during a hugely successful first spell at the Etihad Stadium, before joining Barca last summer.
He's home 🏡🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2024
He went on to become a mainstay of the Barca side but financial issues at the Nou Camp have reportedly hastened his exit after just one season.
It is thought Barca needed to release a high earner to allow them to register new signing Dani Olmo.
Gundogan, who first joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, is the champions' second signing of the summer transfer window following the arrival of Brazilian winger Savinho.
He will give manager Pep Guardiola, who did not want Gundogan to leave in the first place, another option having lost forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.
