Gundogan scored the fastest goal in an FA Cup final
Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says he is “greatly privileged and happy” to play for Manchester City after the German joined Barcelona on a free transfer.
Manchester City offered Gundogan a new deal, but he decided to leave for the Catalan club on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a third year.
Gundogan, 32, is out of contract with Manchester City at the end of June.
The German said: “Manchester City is my home and I feel like a member of a very special family.”
Gundogan made 51 appearances in the 2022–2023 season, scoring 11 goals and playing a key role in Manchester City winning the treble (three titles in one season).
In his last seven matches, Gundogan has scored six goals – including two in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Gundogan’s contract with Barcelona has a release clause of 400 million euros ($436,680,000).
Gundogan joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million ($25,430,300) in 2016; He was the first player signed for England under coach Pep Guardiola.
Gundogan played 304 matches, scored 60 goals and won 12 major awards – including the English Premier League title (Premier League) five times, the Champions League once, the FA Cup twice and the League Cup four times.
Gundogan said he had “hundreds of unforgettable moments” with Manchester City and leading the team to the treble was the “biggest achievement” of his career.
And the German added, “First of all, I want to thank Pep Guardiola because playing under his management and learning from him for a long time is something I will never forget.”
Gundogan continued, “I want to thank all my teammates – past and present – who have played a special role in making me live here at such an amazing time.”
And the player added, “I would also like to thank the fantastic Manchester City fans. They have supported me since I arrived and I owe them a lot for that support.”
For his part, Manchester City sporting director Dixiki Bekirstein praised Gundogan’s “intelligence, leadership and commitment”, saying those qualities were “an inspiration to everyone”.
Begristein said: “Ilkay has cemented his name in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next steps of his career.”
“When he leaves us, he will know that he will always be welcome at this football club,” Begristine added.
Gundogan’s departure comes after Manchester City agreed a £30 million ($38,138,400) deal to sign Croatian defender Mateo Kovac from Chelsea.
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