Ilkay Gundogan: Manchester City Honour Treble Winning Captain With Training Ground Tribute

• Manchester City have honoured their former captain Ilkay Gundogan with a training ground gesture
• Gundogan became the first captain to lift the Champions League in the club's history last season
• He follows the likes of Yaya Toure, Fernandinho and Joe Hart, who received similar honours

Manchester City have announced that they will honour their departed captain, Ilkay Gundogan, by naming a training ground after him.

Gundogan left the club at the end of last season after seven glorious years that culminated with him winning the club's first Champions League title.

The title was part of the treble the Pep Guardiola side won after pipping Arsenal to the Premier League and beating Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Gundogan joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and went on to become one of the best players in its history.

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Manchester City's statement on Gundogan

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak made the announcement on Gundogan's 33rd birthday via a message on the club's social media handles.

"On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mansour, on behalf of everyone associated with Manchester City, it is really my privilege and honour to unveil this mosaic that is a tribute to every accomplishment you’ve made as part of this Manchester City family over the years."

The German, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer, will be remembered for his clutch moments in helping the side win trophies in recent seasons. He came off the bench against Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021/2022 season to score a brace.

He also went on a free goalscoring run towards the end of last season, which ended with a goal in the FA Cup against their rivals.

"You have been an important leader, an important pillar of a part of history – of the history of this Club that will never be forgotten. “We are all so grateful, so thankful for the great memories you gave us – as the first Manchester City captain to lift the Champions League," continued Mubarak.

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MEN reports that Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Joe Hart are among the past players who received the same honour. Kevin De Bruyne took over the captaincy duties, but he has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. fullback Kyle Walker wears the armband at the moment.

Gundogan on Barcelona's UCL chances

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Ilkay Gundogan revealed that Barcelona winning the UEFA Champions League is likely too stiff of a challenge for the Catalans.

"I would like to win the Champions League again, but I know that the reality in Barcelona is different. We are in the process of building. We have a very young team but with a lot of potential and quality," he said.