Ilkay Gündoğan parts ways from FC Barcelona with a tone of discontent
After a brief stint at FC Barcelona, Ilkay Gundogan makes his way back to Manchester City. The 33-year-old signs a one-year agreement, expressing some harsh words towards his previous club.
Manchester City and Pep Guardiola welcome Gundogan back into their fold. The erstwhile German national team captain departs Barcelona following a solitary season. He moved to them in the summer of 2023, transferring on a free basis from City. Manchester City announced the news on their social media, stating, "Welcome home, Ilkay!"
Gundogan still had two years remaining on his Barcelona contract. He will now join City on a free transfer as well, committing until June 2025 initially. Recent media reports suggest that Guardiola was rather keen on the Turkish midfielder's return.
"Given the club's current financial constraints, should my departure aid financially, it diminishes my sadness a bit," Gundogan wrote about his Barcelona departure. He departs the club on a free transfer. Barcelona, constantly grappling with financial issues, needs the space to register Dani Olmo for the league, which was previously unattainable due to the Spanish league's salary limitations.
Former coach of the German national team, Hansi Flick, will now have to manage without Gundogan's services. He appointed the player as captain at the DFB during his first foreign assignment. Gundogan's departure had been imminent for a while now. According to Spanish media reports, Gundogan had initially shown his intention to leave to the concerned parties and Flick. Simultaneously, he had also contacted Man City to explore the possibility of a return.
"I believe he will continue at Barça. I've spoken with Ilkay, but that's between us," Flick stated after Barcelona's 2-1 win against Valencia in the season opener. Gundogan did not feature in the squad, with Flick citing "physical issues" as the cause.
"Everyone is aware of my respect for Pep. He is the best coach in the world," Gundogan expressed in Manchester City's statement. "Working alongside him every day makes you a better player. He continually offers fresh challenges. That's what every professional craves. I am eager to collaborate with him once more."
Guardiola had already applauded Gundogan in a "Stern" interview in June. "Ilkay rarely spoke, but when he did, everyone paid heed, including me as manager," he said. "He is a highly intelligent player, one of the most intelligent I've ever trained. He was a significant factor in our success."
Manchester City's fanbase rejoices at the return of their beloved midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. Gundogan, in turn, expresses his excitement to work once again under Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola.
