Manchester City have paid tribute to Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder announced his move to Barcelona on a free transfer, saying he leaves with his place in club history secured.
Gundogan was out of contract at City at the end of the month, and turned down the offer of an extension in favour of a longer deal at Barcelona. The decision ends a glorious seven-year spell at the Etihad which started when the German became Pep Guardiola's first signing in 2016.
His final act as City captain was to lift the Champions League trophy in Istanbul two weeks ago, and now he leaves with the club's blessing. In paying tribute to Gundogan, City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain praised the captain's role in the club's successes under Guardiola.
