After spending a season playing for La Liga side Barcelona, German football player Ilkay Gundogan says Etihad gave him “pure” joy.
The midfielder has struck a deal to return to Manchester City where he initially stayed for seven years, having joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
He expressed his joy at his second coming during an interview with City media.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch…I grew as a person and a player developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.”
According to him, the opportunity to wear the sky blue jersey and play alongside “world-class” teammates is what he yearns for.
“And what can I say about my teammates here at City…they are world-class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them. Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
Gundogan is on a one-year contract with Man City subject to international clearance, the club said in a statement confirming the transfer.
Meanwhile, City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain is sure the 33-year-old is an “excellent” addition to the team.
“He is also an exceptional midfielder. His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad. To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many.”
Throughout his remarkable first stint with the English Premier League club, the German won five League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League, making 304 appearances and scoring 60 goals.
His most famed achievement was captaining Pep Guardiola’s side to a historic Treble in the 2022/23 season.
In Spain, he made 51 appearances in all competitions.
Source:opemsuo.com