Manchester City dedicate training pitch to former treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan

German midfielder became first City skipper to lift Uefa Champions League trophy as part of historic treble-winning season

Ilkay Gundogan won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the Uefa Champions League during his seven years at Manchester City. PA

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid tribute to Ilkay Gundogan's accomplishments at the club after the treble winners unveiled a pitch dedication to their former captain.

To mark Gundogan's seven years of service, City have created a mosaic of the German midfielder's Premier League title-winning goal against Aston Villa, installing it by a training pitch at the City Football Academy.

The first City captain to lift the Uefa Champions League trophy, Gundogan also won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups during a trophy-laden spell at the Etihad Stadium.

Gundogan’s time in England concluded in style, scoring a brace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on the way to completing a historic treble one week later in Istanbul.

Created by local Manchester sculptor Mark Kennedy, the mosaic is the latest in a series of tributes to departing City heroes, including Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.

In a video message to mark the unveiling of the pitch dedication, City chairman Al Mubarak said: “On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mansour, on behalf of everyone associated with Manchester City, it is really my privilege and honour to unveil this mosaic that is a tribute to every accomplishment you’ve made as part of this Manchester City family over the years.

“You have been an important leader, an important pillar of a part of history – of the history of this club that will never be forgotten.

“We are all so grateful, so thankful for the great memories you gave us – as the first Manchester City captain to lift the Champions League, as a player that’s lifted five Premier Leagues, so many trophies as part of his journey with the club.

“But beyond these great accomplishments as a football player, your accomplishments as a leader, both in the club and in the community is never going to be forgotten.

“Today I want to thank you on behalf of everyone associated with the club and this mosaic is our gift to you to keep you part of the history of this club, of this institution, a place that you can come and always know that you have left an important stamp that will be never forgotten.”