Though his time in Barcelona had its moments, with more downs than ups, Ilkay Gundogan’s heart has always belonged to just one place — Manchester City.When Gundogan first arrived at Etihad Stadium eight years ago, he quickly made an impact, signing his contract and becoming an official part of the Manchester City squad. Now, after a brief stint in Barcelona, the German of Turkish descent has come full circle, officially rejoining the Cityzens.His Barcelona sojourn, which lasted only a year, has come to an end as he returns to the club where he played his best football and enjoyed every moment. Gundogan and Manchester City are reunited once more, with the German midfielder committing to the club until 2025, with an option to extend for another year.The news was almost expected, especially after Gundogan was spotted in Manchester just two days ago, dining with Pep Guardiola — the man who transformed him as a player, bringing him closer to the opponent’s goal and turning him into one of the top-scoring midfielders. When Gundogan decided it was time to leave Catalonia, Pep was the first person he called.97 – Ilkay Gündogan created 97 chances last season in LaLiga for Barcelona under manager Xavi, the most by a Barça midfielder in a season since Xavi himself in 2009-10 under Pep Guardiola (109). Cyclical. pic.twitter.com/WbdZp59mrz— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 23, 2024 He trusted Guardiola implicitly, turning down offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, despite heavy interest from Galatasaray. Gundogan made his intentions clear: he wanted to return to Etihad Stadium.Tensions in Barcelona’s locker room had been brewing since their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Gundogan publicly criticized Ronald Araújo, leading to a rift with teammates who sided with the Uruguayan defender. The situation reached a breaking point that even coach Hansi Flick couldn’t mend.In the end, Barcelona agreed to let him go, and Manchester City welcomed him back with open arms. Both parties were happy with the outcome. As Gundogan mentioned in his farewell letter, his departure could help Barcelona financially in their difficult situation — although specific details remain unclear.BREAKING: Ilkay Gundogan has announced his exit from FC Barcelona. 👋 pic.twitter.com/n2EveKo7rf— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) August 23, 2024 “Dear Culers. After just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.”Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.”Nevertheless, it’s been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barça, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best. Visca el Barça!” wrote Ilkay Gundogan.His emotions are mixed — sadness that his Barcelona experience didn’t live up to expectations, with just one trophyless season and playing away from Camp Nou. However, there’s also comfort in returning to a place where he knows his worth and is greatly appreciated.”It feels so good to be home,” the German declared.What you’ve all been waiting for… Welcome back to City, @IlkayGuendogan 🩵 pic.twitter.com/8VutEkQNRU— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2024 As much as this return pleases Gundogan, it delights the fans even more. They remember him as a midfielder with a sharp goal-scoring instinct, capable of easily reaching double digits in goals. He scored an impressive 60 goals during his time with City, most of them in his final two seasons.If he can come close to replicating that form, everyone at Etihad will be thrilled.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291074##
