Guess who's back?! 🎉 Ilkay Gundogan has made a surprise return to Manchester City after parting ways with Barcelona! 🌟
The midfield maestro left Barca by mutual agreement and penned a one-year deal with the Premier League champs, with an option to extend for another year. 📝🔥
Gundogan, who was a key player for City from 2016 to 2023, helped the club bag five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy! 🏆✨ He joined Barcelona in July 2023, racking up 5 goals and 14 assists during his time there. ⚽️🔝
City's boss, Pep Guardiola, couldn't hide his astonishment. \"Most of the time, all the managers say in the transfer window anything can happen, so this is the real proof,\" he said on Friday. \"It was a surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well; the staff and players. We know the quality he plays last year at Barcelona. High, high level. We didn't have any doubts when the possibility was open and we're delighted he is back.\" 🙌🔙
This summer has been wild for Cityzens! The biggest shock was Julian Alvarez's departure to Atletico Madrid, netting City a cool €75 million. 💰🚀 They also snapped up Savinho from Troyes for €25 million. With Gundogan's return, things are heating up! 🔥
\"The important thing is he wants to come back,\" Guardiola shared. \"He called me and asked about the situation. I said yes, and now we are here, and he has to deliver a good season. The feeling is that he doesn't come to retire or to remember good memories. We have time to do that in the future. Now it is time to put your shoes on and do your best.\" 🥾⚡️
City kicked off their 2024-25 Premier League season in style, defeating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on August 18. Next up, they're hosting Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday. Can't wait! 🥳⚽️
Reference(s):
Guardiola calls Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City a surprise
cgtn.com
