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.
Begiristain in particular praised Gundogan's off-field contributions, and said that he would always be welcome back at the Etihad in future.
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“Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic Treble,” said Begiristain.
“He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the Club - both on and off the field - has been an inspiration to everyone.
“Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career. And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”
City look set to move on quickly, and had a £25m bid for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic accepted last week, with £5m in add-ons also agreed. The Blues also have an interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, but talk of an offer for the England midfielder may be premature.
