Ilkay Gundogan 'genuinely delighted' as he returns to Manchester City

Veteran midfielder back at Etihad Stadium on one-year deal

Former captain Ilkay Gundogan has returned to Manchester City. AP

Ilkay Gundogan expressed his delight as Manchester City announced the return of the veteran midfielder after one year away at Barcelona.

The former City captain returns to the Etihad Stadium having previously spent seven trophy laden years with the club. Gundogan was at the core of City squad that rose to the top of English football, winning 14 trophies and captaining the historic treble-winning side of 2022/23.

The 33-year-old, who will wear the number 19 shirt, has signed a one-year deal.

The former German international originally joined City in 2016 as the first signing of Pep Guardiola’s managerial tenure. He went on to make 304 appearances during a seven-year spell, scoring 60 goals.

In his final season, he helped City lift a trophy in each of his final three appearances, including the club’s first ever Champions League triumph.

Following the announcement, Gundogan said: “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. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.

“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.

“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.”

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special.

“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.”

Bringing in Gundogan is a late call by City in the transfer window. He was one of Xavi Hernandez’s favoured players during the coach's sole season with the Catalan club but Barcelona’s delicate economic situation appears to have forced new coach, Hansi Flick of Germany, to part ways with Gundogan.

Gundogan can be used as a replacement for holding midfielder Rodri should the Spain star need a break. He is well-versed in Guardiola's style of play so has the benefit of not needing a transitional period.

He give manager Guardiola, who did not want Gundogan to leave in the first place, another option having lost forward Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.

Gundogan could be available for Saturday's match against Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.