İlkay Gündoğan Bids Farewell to Manchester City After Signing Lucrative New Deal
İlkay Gündoğan has officially bid farewell to Manchester City after completing a high-profile move that sees him embark on a new chapter in his football career. The German midfielder leaves the Premier League champions after seven successful years, during which he played a key role in the club’s domestic and European triumphs.
Gündoğan, who arrived at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, has agreed to a lucrative new deal with a European powerhouse—believed to be FC Barcelona. The new contract reportedly offers him improved financial terms and a fresh challenge in a different league. His departure marks the end of a significant era at Manchester City, as he was not only one of the club’s most consistent performers but also a respected leader, captaining the team to a historic treble in the 2022–23 season.
Throughout his time in Manchester, Gündoğan won numerous trophies, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, Carabao Cups, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League in his final season. His intelligent playmaking, tactical awareness, and knack for scoring crucial goals—especially during title run-ins—earned him widespread admiration from fans, teammates, and coaches alike.
In a heartfelt message to City fans, Gündoğan expressed gratitude for the support and memories he accumulated during his stay. He acknowledged the club’s influence on his development as both a player and a person, crediting manager Pep Guardiola and the entire coaching staff for helping him reach new levels in his game. He also shared his appreciation for the City supporters, saying that their unwavering backing meant the world to him.
City, in return, paid tribute to Gündoğan’s contributions, describing him as a consummate professional and a model of consistency and leadership. The club highlighted his vital goals and performances in decisive matches, particularly his double in the FA Cup final against Manchester United and his pivotal role during critical Premier League title races.
As Gündoğan prepares to start the next phase of his career, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence at Manchester City. His move is seen as both a reward for his stellar performances and a chance for him to take on a new challenge at the highest level of European football. Though City fans will undoubtedly miss his presence on and off the pitch, they will also wish him well as he takes on this exciting new opportunity abroad.
