Gundogan ditches Manchester City for Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan

TRANSFERS: Gundogan ditches Manchester City for Barcelona

Kiplagat Sang 12:45 - 26.06.2023

The midfielder leaves the club after a season that they lifted a historic treble.

German international Ilkay Gundogan has left Premier League side Manchester City.

Gundogan leaves the Etihad outfit and joins Barcelona on a free transfer. His departure comes after he lifted a treble with City; the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.

"For me, it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan told the club's website. "Manchester has been my home, and I have felt part of a very special family at City.

"I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here, and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career."

He was thankful to the players and manager, Pep Guardiola, who signed him from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.

"First, I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget,: he added.

"I would also like to thank all my teammates - past and present - who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing.

"Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support. This club made me realise all my dreams, and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity. I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue."

He joins the La Liga champions, where he has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third and a release clause of €400m.

Gundogan spent seven seasons in England and leaves as a legend of the club.