26 June 2023 , 08:04
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Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.
The German international will join the Catalan giants after seven years at the Etihad, which culminated in glorious fashion as he lifted the Champions League in his final game for the club. He's agreed a two year deal that runs until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, with a further option of a one year extension.
The 32-year-old said: "Been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Man City for the last seven years. I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget.
"I would also like to thank all my team-mates – past and present – who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing. Also incredible City fans. I owe them all so much for their support. I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue."
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola's first signing after the Spaniard took charge at the Etihad, transferring from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a modest £20 million fee. He will leave a club icon, having won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and then finally Europe's top prize.
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And his individual contributions to some of those successes will also be cemented in folklore amongst City's fans. On the final day of the 2021/22 season, the Premier League title seemed to be slipping away from Guardiola's men as they trailed 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.
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(Getty Images)But the 67-cap international, a 68th minute substitute that day, then turned the tide in exhilarating fashion. He headed home to pull a goal back and after Rodri equalised, the midfielder then slid his second goal to cap a chaotic five minute period which ultimately secured the league silverware.
In this season's FA Cup final, he also took centre stage as City completed the second leg of their treble charge by beating Man United 2-1. Gundogan's stunning strike after just 12 seconds was the quickest ever goal in a Wembley final, and he would also volley in after the break to settle the contest.
But with his contract expiring this month, speculation has been rife over his future, with Arsenal linked to an audacious swoop for the skipper of their rivals. However, it then emerged that the player had agreed personal terms with the La Liga champions, and will leave City having scored 60 goals in 304 appearances for the club.