By Cheta Enyoghasi
Ilkay Gundogan has announced his return to the “best club in the world” after re-signing with Manchester City from Barcelona on Friday.
During his first time at City from 2016 to 2023, the former German international won five Premier League titles and the Champions League, among 12 other major trophies.
Gundogan left the English champions just over a year ago to join Barcelona.
However, the 33-year-old and the Catalan giants apparently agreed to terminate his contract after only one season, paving the door for a return to the Etihad.
He scored five goals and assisted 14 times in his only season in Spain, although Barcelona did not win the trophy.
In a City statement, Gundogan said: “I’m incredibly happy, happy to see the team-mates, the staff, people that over seven years I had an amazing time with, a very successful time with. Many ups, a few downs, but in general, an incredible experience.
“When you leave this place like I did last year, you spend a year away, you then start to appreciate the place even more. You realise what you had. You realise how amazing that time was.
“You realise how big the club is — the best club in the world.”
Following Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid for a speculated sum of up to 95 million euros (£81 million, $104 million), Gundogan’s return is a welcome boost for City.
He will provide Guardiola’s team depth and experience as they aim for a Premier League title that would set a record five times over.
