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Topics: Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City, Barcelona
Ryan Sidle
Topics: Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City, Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan has officially become a Barcelona player, after leaving Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract expired.
Gundogan was City's captain as they lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League but has decided not to stay at the club.
In a statement on their website City said farewell to the former Borussia Dortmund star, saying: "Ilkay Gundogan is to join Barcelona bringing an end to a hugely successful seven-year stay with Manchester City.
"During the course of his time at the Etihad, the German midfielder played a key role in what has proved the most successful period in the Club’s history, going on to make 304 appearances across all competitions and scoring 60 goals.
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"Ilkay joined City from Borussia Dortmund in July 2016 and had the distinction of being Pep Guardiola’s first signing after the Catalan’s appointment as City manager.
"Gundogan’s subsequent contribution helped City attain what has been an unparalleled record of achievement.
"Humble and understated off the field, on it his vision and technique - allied to a fine eye for goal – established him as a pivotal figure in Guardiola’s squad."
As well as having the honour of being the first signing in Guardiola's reign at the Etihad Stadium, the midfielder became a real clutch player for the manager often producing his best form in the back end of the season.
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He scored two goals as the club turned things around on the final day of the league campaign against Aston Villa in 2022, as the title looked to be getting away from them.
The 32-year-old repeated the trick by grabbing a brace against Manchester United in last season's FA Cup final, including the quickest goal in the history of finals.
In all he won five league titles in England along with two FA Cups, four League Cups and finished off his spell with Champions League success.
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He had been wanted by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and there had been links to Saudi Arabia but he has chosen Barcelona as his new home.
His deal at the Nou Camp will last until 2025 with the option of an extra year at the end, with his new club referring to him as 'one of the best midfielders in the world for the past decade.'