Gundogan leaves City for Galatasaray
Agency :
Ilkay Gundogan has left Manchester City to join Turkish side Galatasaray, subject to international clearance.
Gundogan enjoyed two spells with the Blues, making 358 appearances across all competitions and scoring 65 goals.
Ilkay initially joined City from Borussia Dortmund in July 2016 and in his first stint in the sky blue, the German won 14 trophies, including a historic Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League as captain in his final season.
The German departed City for Barcelona following that memorable night in Istanbul but he rejoined the Blues for the 2024/25 campaign.
However, after a solitary season back in the sky blue, he’s on the move again this time to link up with the Turkish Super Lig champions.
There have been many memorable moments for the 34-year-old at City, most notably his late brace that completed a stunning turnaround from 2-0 down to seal a 3-2 win over Aston Villa and so seal the Premier League title in 2021/22 and striking in a record-breaking 12 seconds en route to another brace which secured the 2023 FA Cup final in the first-ever all-Manchester showpiece, the second part of our Treble in 2022/23.
“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” said the popular midfielder.
“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.”
Reflecting on Gundogan’s major contribution to City, Director of Football Hugo Viana hailed his time at the Etihad.
“Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City.
“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.