Manchester Metropolis have re-signed Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a free switch.
The midfielder returns to Pep Guardiola’s aspect only a yr on from his exit to Barcelona final summer time on a free switch.
The 33-year-old, who spent seven years on the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023, rejoins on a one-year contract plus the choice of an additional yr.
Sky Sports activities Information reported on Monday that Gundogan had been informed he might depart Barcelona as they give the impression of being to commerce gamers to cut back their wage invoice.
The German solely wished a return to Metropolis and ignored curiosity from Saudi Arabia and Qatar due to that.
Gundogan, who retired from worldwide soccer earlier this week, captained Metropolis to a historic treble earlier than his departure.
He made 304 appearances and scored 60 objectives in his first stint at Metropolis as he received 12 main trophies, together with 5 Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Gundogan turns into Metropolis’s second summer time signing after the arrival of Savinho from French aspect Troyes in a £33.6m deal.
Gundogan: I am unable to wait to work with Pep once more
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Sky Sports activities Information’ senior reporter Melissa Reddy analyses Gundogan’s return to Man Metropolis
Gundogan revealed working with the “best manager in the world”, Pep Guardiola, once more was a significant factor in his resolution to return.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” he informed the membership’s official web site.
“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 chance to return right here means a lot. Everybody is aware of the respect I’ve for Pep – he’s the perfect supervisor on the earth and dealing with him every single day makes you a greater participant. You’re feeling consistently challenged, which for any skilled is strictly what you need. I can’t wait to work with him once more.
“And what can I say about my team-mates 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.”
Man Metropolis’s director of soccer 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’s additionally an distinctive midfielder. His studying of the sport, his soccer intelligence, his technical high quality and his management make him a wonderful 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.”
Evaluation: The return of Guardiola’s standard-setter Gundogan
Sky Sports activities’ Peter Smith:
Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing for Man Metropolis and went on to turn into a participant who epitomised the fashion the Spaniard was in search of to implement within the Premier League. Exact in possession, incisive within the remaining third but additionally selfless in his dedication to the trigger.
Gundogan completed his first spell as captain, capping off seven seasons during which he had performed from defensive midfield by way of extra attacking positions and whilst a false quantity 9 throughout a goal-laden 2020/21 marketing campaign, by lifting a fifth Premier League and a treasured first Champions League. He was an all-rounder working on the prime degree, whether or not he was filling in for Fernandinho or poaching within the six-yard field.
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s pass-master within the opposition half throughout his first spell with the membership
Revered for his mentality, character and high quality on the ball, Gundogan was a frontrunner amongst his team-mates and Guardiola’s standard-setter on and off the pitch. His exit for Barcelona was a loss felt by each the membership and the participant and his return, remarkably for no switch payment, will certainly show to be a win for all concerned.
Gundogan is again the place he has thrived, Guardiola has his trusted talisman once more, and the Metropolis squad might be boosted by his expertise and enthusiasm for the challenge. There have been large sums spent this summer time however this free switch might be one of the important if Metropolis go on to make it 5 Premier Leagues on the spin.
