Home sweet home! Gundogan joins Osimhen's Galatasaray to fulfil childhood dream

Ilkay Gundogan has bid a fond farewell to Manchester City just one year after his emotional return, completing a dream transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

The move sees the veteran midfielder leave the Etihad for the second time in his career, just one season after returning from Barcelona.

Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola's first signing at City back in 2016 and captained the club to their first-ever Champions League title, agreed to part ways after his contract was automatically extended following a certain number of appearances.

For City, the departure frees up a significant wage packet and thins out a squad Guardiola has described as too big. For Gundogan, it’s a special return to a club he has a deep personal connection to.

Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Gundogan took to social media to share his excitement.

“I’m reunited with my childhood love,” he wrote.

“Happiness is being at Galatasaray.” In a heartfelt message to City fans on X, he also explained the professional reason behind his decision.

“Dear Cityzens, I want to be honest with you… the reason why I’m leaving is very simple: I still want to play football as often as possible, because that’s what I love the most,” he wrote.

The 34-year-old’s departure comes during a difficult period for the club, which has started the season with two defeats in their opening three games.

Having made 54 appearances last season in what was statistically Guardiola's worst campaign at the club, Gundogan's move to Galatasaray signals a new chapter for the decorated German midfielder.