Man City complete re-signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan has rejoined Manchester City just one year after leaving the club for Barcelona.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on an initial one-year contract back at the Etihad Stadium, with Barca agreeing to let him leave on a free transfer.

With his previous number 8 taken by Mateo Kovacic, Gundogan will wear 19 this season.

Gundogan told City club channels: "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 [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. 

"And what can I say about my teammates here at City…they are world class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them.

"Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again."

He added: "I tried to follow all the games [last season] that I was able to watch and the standards that are set, they are obvious.

"The football that Man City were playing last year and the years before it’s always on the highest level and that’s not just my opinion; I think that’s also an opinion of a lot of people in the football industry in general.

"This is the target for the teams to get there where Man City is in terms of football. And being able now to be back and to play on that highest level and to compete again is a privilege and hopefully, I can contribute this season to be more successful than last season. That’s always the target."

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