Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan on a two-year contract.
The 32-year-old’s contract at the Camp Nou includes an option to extend for a further 12 months, ending a hugely successful seven-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Gundogan was a hugely influential figure last season as City ended their long wait for a first UEFA Champions League crown and also played a major role as the club overhauled long-time leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
The German influence didn’t stop there, with a flurry of goals at Wembley helping City overcome neighbors Manchester United 2-1 to win the FA Cup – the first goal being a superb volley from outside the box which was the fastest goal of all time. final.
Gundogan was out of contract at the Etihad this summer and despite Pep Guardiola’s wishes for him to stay, he decided to head to La Liga for a new challenge.
“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the past seven years,” Gundogan told City’s official website after confirming his departure. “Manchester was my home and I felt like part of a very special family at City.
“I have been lucky to have so many memorable moments during my time here and being captain in this extraordinary season has been the greatest experience of my career.
“First of all I would like to thank Pep. Being able to play under him and learn from him for so long was something I will never forget. I would also like to thank all my teammates – past and present – who have all played such a special role in making my time here so wonderful.
“Finally I would like to thank the amazing City fans. They have supported me since I arrived and I owe them all so much for their support.
“This club has allowed me to realize all my dreams and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.
“I will always carry City in my heart. Once blue, forever blue.”
Gundogan made 304 appearances for City in all competitions, scoring 60 goals from midfield. He won the Premier League title five times, the FA Cup twice, the Carabao Cup four times, the Community Shield twice and, perhaps most importantly, the Champions League.
He will now join a Barcelona midfield that includes the likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, with Xavi’s side now set to push for Champions League glory after chasing the La Liga title ahead of rivals Real Madrid last season.
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