Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City, has bid farewell to the club after his contract expired and joined Barcelona for the next chapter of his career.
Gundogan’s departure from Manchester comes on the heels of the club’s most successful season, where they secured the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles within the span of a month.
Having spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, Gundogan had been in discussions with City regarding a contract extension before his deal reached its expiration this week.
The sticking point in negotiations centered around the length of the proposed deal, which offered the 32-year-old a one-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months. Instead, Gundogan has opted for a two-year contract with Barcelona, which also includes a 12-month option. His release clause has been set at €400m (£342m).
Expressing his gratitude, Gundogan stated on the Manchester City club website, “Being a part of Manchester City for the past seven years has been an absolute privilege and pleasure for me. Manchester has become my home, and I have felt like a part of a truly special family at City.”
He added, “I have been fortunate enough to experience countless unforgettable moments during my time here, and being the captain for this extraordinary season has been the pinnacle of my career.”
Gundogan specifically acknowledged his appreciation for manager Pep Guardiola, his teammates, and the unwavering support from the City fans throughout his tenure. He concluded by stating, “This club has made my dreams come true, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have been given. City will always hold a special place in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue.”
In a personal piece on the Player’s Tribune website, Gundogan further reflected on the emotional aspect of bidding farewell to his teammates, stating that breaking the news of his departure was one of the most difficult goodbyes he has experienced in his football career. He expressed deep admiration for his fellow players and cherished the memories they created together.
Regarding his decision to join Barcelona, Gundogan emphasized that if he were to make a move, there was only one club that made sense to him — Barcelona or nothing. He explained that from a young age, he had dreamed of wearing the Barcelona shirt, and now, with a few more years left at the highest level, he aims to contribute to the club’s resurgence and help them reclaim their rightful place among the footballing elite.
As Ilkay Gundogan embarks on this new chapter with Barcelona, he leaves Manchester City as a champion, leaving behind a legacy of success and cherished memories that will forever be etched in the hearts of the fans and the club.
