German star Ilkay Gundogan has returned to Manchester City hungry for “more titles” after just a year with Barcelona, ​​the English Premier League champions announced on Friday.

City posted on its social media pages a video of Gundogan wearing the blue shirt and number 19, saying: “Honestly, it's hard to describe the feeling. When you leave this place, you realise what you had, you realise how great it was at the time, you realise how big this club is. The best club in the world.”

“I don't want to overdo the nostalgia, it's still about the competition, that drive, to be the best version of yourself, and that's an ambition I still have,” the 33-year-old continued. “I want to get that feeling back. It's so nice to feel like you're back home.”

The announcement of Gundogan's return to the team he played for from 2016 to 2023 was not surprising, as several media outlets reported in the last two days that he had reached an agreement with City to play for them again after one season in Barcelona.

I am back … and I hope we can continue where we‘ve stopped in Summer 2023. Thanks to everyone who made this comeback possible. My seven years in Manchester have been an exceptional period in my life – to have the opportunity to return here means so much. Come on City!… pic.twitter.com/ayKO3Kheuk

— Ilkay Gundogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 23, 2024

Barca fans deserve it

Gundogan has signed a one-year contract with City, the Premier League champions said, without specifying details of the deal but reports suggest it is a free transfer that Barcelona wanted in order to get rid of the German's salary burden and sign new signing Dani Olmo.

The German, who announced his international retirement last Tuesday, reportedly gave up his remaining two years' salary with Barcelona in order to facilitate the move, noting that the third year of his contract was activated last season when he participated in more than 60% of the team's matches.

Gundogan has played 36 games for Barcelona, ​​but has been told he is not in the plans of new coach Hansi Flick, Xavi Hernandez's replacement.

Dear friends,
after just one year it’s already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my… pic.twitter.com/n9gAhbmpmz

— Ilkay Gundogan (@IlkayGuendogan) August 23, 2024

The German bid farewell to the Catalan club's fans in a post on Instagram, saying: “After just one year, it's time to say goodbye. I came here for a new and exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I gave everything for the team, the club is in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign.”

“Now I leave in difficult circumstances, but if my departure helps the club financially, it makes me less sad. I have always wanted to play for Barcelona and I am very grateful for the memories and experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I wish you all the best for the season and the future. The fans deserve this great club to be among the best in the world again.”

304 matches and a historic hat-trick

The Athletic website indicated that the player contacted City's Spanish coach, Pep Guardiola, and that the latter gave the green light to complete the deal.

Gundogan has worn the City shirt in 304 matches in all competitions, scoring 60 goals in a career during which he won 12 titles, most notably the league five times and the Champions League in his final season in 2023 when he led the team to a historic treble.

City, who started their league season with a 2-0 win over Chelsea, have only signed Brazilian Savinho, while Argentine striker Julian Alvarez has moved to Atletico Madrid.

Gundogan was the first player Guardiola signed after arriving at City, signing him from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016 when the German was 25 years old.

“We had no doubts (about signing him again) when we had the opportunity and we are happy to have him back,” the Spaniard said of Gundogan's return. “He is not coming here to retire or to bring back good memories. We have time to think about good memories in the future, but now is the time to put on the boots and give your best” on the pitch.