After guiding Manchester City towards a well-deserved treble, their skipper Ilkay Gundogan has decided to part ways with the Premier League champions. The 32-year-old was offered a new deal by City but will instead move to Barcelona on a two-year deal, with the option to extend for another year.
As per a statement, FC Barcelona and Ilkay Gündoğan have reached an agreement for the German international to sign for the Catalans now that his contract with Manchester City has ended. He will join for two seasons, through to 30 June 2025, with the option to stay for one more year. His buyout clause has been set at 400 million euros.
Gundogan, a real legend for Manchester City stated, “For me, it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years. Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City.” He further added, “I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career.”
“I would also like to thank all my teammates – past and present – who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing.
“Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support,” he further added.
Gundogan went on to make 304 appearances, scoring 60 goals and winning 12 major trophies – five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups for Manchester City. In 2022-23, Gundogan played 51 games and scored 11 goals, as he played a key role in City winning the Treble.
