Ilkay Gundogan has come back to Manchester City after departing over a year ago to join Barcelona.

Ilkay Gundogan, the talented German midfielder, has made a sensational return to Manchester City, rejoining the club just over a year after his departure for Barcelona. The 30-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal, much to the delight of City fans.

Reflecting on his previous stint at the club, Gundogan expressed his immense satisfaction during his seven-year tenure. He spoke of personal growth, a strong bond with the City faithful, and the incredible success he experienced. It was undoubtedly a remarkable period in his life, and the opportunity to return holds great significance for him.

During his initial spell at City, Gundogan played a pivotal role in securing an impressive 14 major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League trophy. His impact on the team cannot be understated.

Having retired from international football recently, Gundogan made a total of 304 appearances for City, finding the back of the net on 60 occasions. His ability to perform in big matches was evident throughout his time in sky blue.

One particular moment that stands out is his remarkable performance at Wembley in 2023. In the FA Cup final, Gundogan scored the quickest goal in the history of the competition, finding the net after just 13 seconds. He went on to add a second goal, helping City secure victory over their arch-rivals, Manchester United. A week later, Gundogan lifted the Champions League trophy as the captain of the club, completing an unforgettable treble.

After his successful stint at City, Gundogan made the move to Barcelona, where he featured in 51 matches across all competitions. However, his future at the Nou Camp was cast into doubt when he was left out of the opening match of the 2024/25 season against Valencia. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, financial pressures led to speculation about his departure.

While manager Hansi Flick expressed his desire for Gundogan to stay, offers from Spain and Saudi Arabia emerged. Ultimately, Gundogan made the decision to return to England and rejoin City. He will now link up with his teammates ahead of their upcoming match against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

The return of Ilkay Gundogan is undoubtedly a significant boost for Manchester City. His experience, skill, and ability to perform in crucial moments will undoubtedly strengthen the team as they aim for further success in the upcoming season.