Midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan has departed Manchester City on a free transfer to join Galatasaray.
Gundogan previously left Man City in June 2023 to join Barcelona but returned a year later and managed five goals in 54 appearances as City stuttered to third in the Premier League and suffered FA Cup Final heartbreak, plus early exits in Carabao Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
City consequently sanctioned Gundogan’s departure as part of their rebuild for the future, with the midfielder having left after 65 goals in 358 total appearances across two spells at the club in which he claimed 14 titles – including a historic treble in 2023:
- 5 x Premier League
- 4 x EFL Cup
- 2 x FA Cup
- 2 x Community Shield
- 1 x UEFA Champions League
“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” explained Gundogan as he reflected on his success at City.
“We have enjoyed so much success in our time together and there have been so many unforgettable moments not least being captain for the Treble-winning season.
“To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant so much to me but to then be afforded the opportunity of lifting the Champions League trophy for this Club for the first time, especially in Istanbul, will live with me forever.
“I have no doubts Manchester City will enjoy much more success in the future and I will certainly be watching on from afar as I continue my career in Turkey, a country that means ever such a lot to me.”
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana added that Gundogan is “synonymous” with success at the club which will never be forgotten, and praised him for his attitude.
“He brought trophy upon trophy back to the Etihad and no-one will ever forget the huge role he played in those successes.
“But more than the footballer, having got to know him since my arrival, I’ve had the privilege of meeting a fantastic person – humble, intelligent and selfless – truly fantastic human qualities.
“It may now be time for him to say goodbye, but we will never forget his legacy here at Manchester City.
“Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.
“And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”
Gundogan however will return to the Etihad Stadium with Galatasaray in City’s final league phase fixture of this season’s Champions League on 28 January.
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