Gundogan Completes Dramatic Return To Man City One Year After Leaving For Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan has completed a dramatic return to Manchester City just one year after leaving for Barcelona.
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Gundogan is back at the Etihad Stadium on a one-year contract with the option for a further year after his exit from the Blaugrana as a free agent.
The 33-year-old former Germany international previously spent seven seasons with Manchester City, winning 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League last year.
He scored 60 goals in 304 appearances during his first spell with Pep Guardiola's side.
Gundogan told City's website: "My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.
"I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success.
"It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.
"Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.
"You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again."
Guardiola added: "When managers say 'this is the transfer window, anything can happen', this is the real proof."
"It was a complete surprise, unexpected. We didn't have any doubts when the possibility was open. Absolutely delighted he's back.
"He knows what we want to do, he doesn't need to adapt, he knows the city, the club, the way we want to play. He'll immediately settle good."
Gundogan could make his second Manchester City debut against Ipswich Town on Saturday.