Farewell Gundo. A Manchester City legend departs the club.
As reported yesterday, Ilkay Gundogan has decided to leave Manchester City for a new challenge at Barcelona.
Gundogan departs after 304 appearances and 60 goals for Manchester City.
He won 5 Premier League titles, 4 Carabao Cups, 2 FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League in his time at the club.
City’s captain was the leading scorer for the club in the 2020/21 season with 17 goals in all competitions. A testament to Gundogan’s ability to ghost into the box and score crucial goals from midfield.
He leaves the club as a Manchester City legend. Of that there is no doubt.
He has been ever present since signing for Manchester City in June 2016. He was Pep Guardiola’s first signing when he took over at Manchester City.
Whenever Manchester City needed a player in big moments, Gundogan delivered. He could always be counted on when City needed him most.
When Manchester City needed a hero on the final day of the 21/22 Premier League season, up stepped Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundogan’s match-winning goal vs Aston Villa to win the #PL title for #ManCity has been nominated for the ‘2021/22 @NWFAwards Moment of the Season’.
You can vote by using the hashtag: #ARMSTRONGMOMENTD pic.twitter.com/Xpkxaz3LvD
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 31, 2022
His two goals on the final day after coming on as a substitute against Aston Villa, won City the title. City pipped Liverpool in a another epic title race in season 21/22.
He was there again in this year’s title race. A tough trip to Goodison Park was the challenge for Manchester City. A three points a must with the title race with Arsenal coming down to the final weeks.
After a tense first half hour at Goodison Park, up stepped the City captain.
Improvisation level: 💯 @IlkayGuendogan | @ManCity pic.twitter.com/eBOwnXEQNx
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 19, 2023
The goal was sublime. All of Gundogan’s skills were on display. His knack for a goal, his technique and his timing to arrive in the box.
City needed a spark that day against Everton. Ilkay Gundogan delivered once again.
He added a assist for Erling Haaland to add the second goal. He then fired in a third for City with a sublime free kick just after half time.
It was a true captains performance on a massive day in the title race.
Lastly this season there was Gundogan’s brace in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
The first ever derby cup final and City were off to a flyer thanks to their inspirational skipper.
12 seconds, btw.#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/MttTOUVe54
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) June 4, 2023
After United leveled the game, up stepped Gundogan again. His second half volley gave City the lead once and for all.
The performance in the FA Cup final was typical of Gundogan. City needed someone for the occasion. He was always going to be the one to deliver.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC 🦸@IlkayGuendogan with another magical volley ✨#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/HLCo4VpARt
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) June 3, 2023
It’s always sad to see a City legend leave the club. But the time has come for the next chapter for Gundogan and Manchester City.
He leaves the club after finally winning the UEFA Champions League. That on top of the treble secured this season is a fitting final chapter of Gundogan’s time at Manchester City.
The image of Ilkay Gundogan raising the Champions League title is a fitting final image of his time at City.
Especially after his own journey to get there. Twice a runner up with Dortmund and Manchester City. Now he leaves Manchester City a Champions League winner.
Gundogan’s legacy at Manchester City sits alongside that of Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure as modern day legends of the club.
Farewell Gundo. Thanks for special moments at Manchester City, and everything he has done for the club.
The memories will last a lifetime.
