has left for the second time in three years after agreeing to maneuver to Turkish membership on a free switch.
Gundogan joined the membership for the primary time in 2016 the place he featured 188 occasions and famously led the crew of their treble successful season of 2022/23 earlier than saying an emotional goodbye and leaving the membership to hitch Barcelona.
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A yr later he returned to Metropolis and made an extra 33 appearances for the membership however has not featured in any respect in any of Metropolis’s three matches this yr amid a squad rebuild below .
Guardiola needed to scale back his squad measurement throughout this window and Gundogan follows Ederson and Manuel Akanji out the door with and.
Of Gundogan’s impression at Metropolis, Director of Soccer Hugo Viana stated: “Ilkay Gundogan is a reputation synonymous with success at Manchester Metropolis. He introduced trophy upon trophy again to the Etihad and no-one will ever overlook the large position he performed in these successes.
“However greater than the footballer, having received to know him since my arrival, I’ve had the privilege of assembly a improbable individual – humble, clever and selfless – really improbable human qualities.
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“It might now be time for him to say goodbye, however we’ll always remember his legacy right here at Manchester Metropolis. Ilkay has really cemented his place within the historical past of Manchester Metropolis and all of us want him properly within the subsequent chapter of his profession.
“And he leaves us understanding that he’ll all the time be welcomed at this soccer membership.”
Ilkay Gundogan departs Manchester Metropolis for a second time (AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Gundogan himself expressed how Metropolis holds a ‘particular place’ in his coronary heart and the way he’s excited to proceed his profession in Turkey.
“Manchester Metropolis will all the time maintain a particular place in my coronary heart” stated the midfielder. “We now have loved a lot success in our time collectively and there have been so unforgettable moments not least being captain for the Treble-winning season.
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“To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant a lot to me however to then be afforded the chance of lifting the Champions League trophy for this Membership for the primary time, particularly in Istanbul, will dwell with me eternally.
“I’ve no doubts Manchester Metropolis will get pleasure from way more success sooner or later and I’ll definitely be watching on from afar as I proceed my profession in Turkey, a rustic which means ever so much to me.”