Ilkay Gundogan Sings Pep Guardiola's Praises After Sealing Barcelona Move

• Ilkay Gundogan has given credit to Pep Guardiola for his Barcelona transfer
• The former Man City captain spent seven successful seasons with the Citizens
• Gundogan made more than 300 appearances for the Premier League champions

Manchester City's treble-winning former captain, Ilkay Gundogan, has showered praises on Pep Guardiola in the aftermath of his move to FC Barcelona.

Gundogan concluded his remarkable seven-year tenure with the Citizens by contributing to their historic season, which included the prestigious UEFA Champions League title.

Having assumed the role of captain for the 2022-23 season, the German midfielder proved to be the standout player for Man City throughout the campaign.

Gundogan decided not to extend his contract with the Premier League side and instead chose to join Guardiola's former club, Barcelona, Sky Sports reports.

In an episode on Players' Tribune, the 32-year-old lavished praise on the renowned Spanish manager, acknowledging him as a significant influence behind his decision to join La Blaugrana.

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"I have to say, none of this would have been possible without Pep [Guardiola]," Gundogan told the Players' Tribune, via Tribuna.

The German said he had always shared a close bond with his former coach.

"I think maybe Pep was hoping that we would come here to City together and leave together, but I know that he understands my decision. I am sure it helps that I’m going to his boyhood club. Hopefully, we’ll have a reunion soon in a Champions League final," Gundogan added.

Barcelona sign City's Ilkay Gundogan

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported on FC Barcelona completing the signing of Ilkay Gundogan, with the Man City captain trading England for Spain.

The German midfielder, who played a pivotal role in Man City's historic treble-winning season, was reported to have reached an agreement with the Catalan giants.

After spending seven seasons with the Manchester club, Gundogan will join Barcelona on a two-year contract until June 2025, plus an option of an additional year.

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Gundogan salutes Man City fans

Sports Brief also reported on Gundogan thanking Man City fans in an emotional message after completing a blockbuster switch to Barcelona.

He was Guardiola’s first City signing in 2016 and captained the club to their first UEFA Champions League trophy and their historic cup treble.