Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, has made a triumphant return to the club after a brief stint at Barcelona. His return has been hailed as one of the signings of the summer and his teammate Kevin De Bruyne couldn't be happier about it.
Gundogan spent seven fruitful years at Manchester City alongside De Bruyne before making a move to Barcelona last summer. However, he re-signed for City in August and has since made two appearances for the club. The decision by Barcelona President Joan Laporta to sell Gundogan was reportedly due to "sporting" reasons. However, reports from The Athletic suggest that Barcelona were open to letting him leave due to their inability to register Dani Olmo at that time.
At 33-years-old, Gundogan’s signing is widely praised as a masterstroke by Manchester City — thanks largely due his quality and experience coupled with the fact that he was brought in on a free transfer. Former England striker Darren Bent hailed Gundogan’s return as one of the signings of the summer. Even Sam Allardyce questioned why clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea did not try signing Gundogan — while claiming that a player of his ilk is still valued at £50 million.
Welcome back messages pour in
As rumours around his return started circulating, Noel Gallagher texted him asking him to “come home” again. Despite not starting any games since returning — potentially indicating Pep Guardiola wishes for him earn back his place in side — he seems fit during cameos against Ipswich Town and West Ham United; slotting back into central midfield position effortlessly.
On Official Man City Podcast, Kevin De Bruyne revealed how thrilled he is about playing with Ilkay Gundogan again. The Belgian is looking forward to the return of his partner from Manchester City’s treble-winning season.
Manchester City midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, said:
“I feel like it’s just been normal. He’s been away for a year, like been on a holiday and slotted in way back in. I don’t know, you know, it feels normal. But the way he went when he went away and obviously, it was more like a contractual situation than him really wanting to depart from both ways.”
“Sometimes, that’s how football works and the craziness of football, he’s in Barcelona and he comes back here and he slots in like he’s never left, been here seven years or something. So, he’s been clutch, won us titles, so let’s do it again.”
De Bruyne and Gundogan formed a terrific partnership as attacking midfielders behind Erling Haaland; a dynamic that Pep Guardiola could explore this season as well. Their quality, experience and understanding of City’s system are factors that make them formidable opponents for any side in the world.
Settling back into life at Etihad
Gundogan, who recently announced his retirement from international football, seems to have seamlessly settled back into life at the Etihad Stadium again. His teammates too seem thrilled about his fairytale return.
Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City has been met with widespread acclaim and excitement. As he settles back into life in Manchester, fans eagerly anticipate the magic he will bring on field alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
