Gündogan excited about return to Etihad

Ilkay Gündogan has spoke of his delight at returning to Manchester City after a deal was agreed for the German player between the Premier League champions and Barcelona.
Gündogan has signed a one-year contract with City, having departed the club in 2023 after winning 12 major trophies in seven seasons there, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” Gündogan said upon his return. “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 [Guardiola] – 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.”
Gündogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer after captaining City to the treble in the final season of his first stint at the club. The 33-year-old went on to become a mainstay of the Barça side but financial problems at the Camp Nou have hastened his exit. It is thought the Catalan giants needed to release a high earner in order to register Dani Olmo following the midfielder’s arrival from RB Leipzig.
Gündogan was Guardiola’s first signing as City manager, arriving from Borussia Dortmund in June 2016.