UPDATED: Gundogan returns to Man City from Barcelona

After re-signing for Manchester City from Barcelona on Friday, Ilkay Gundogan declared that he was back at the "best club in the world."

The former German international spent his first stint at City from 2016 to 2023, winning 12 major trophies in all, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Gundogan joined Barca a little over a year ago after leaving the English champions.

Nevertheless, it has been stated that the 33-year-old and the Catalan giants decided to terminate his contract after just one season in order to allow him to return to the Etihad.

Gundogan played just one season in Spain, but he scored five goals and provided fourteen assists, but Barca did not take home a trophy.

"I am very content right now. I am happy to see my teammates and staff, with whom I have had great and successful times over the past seven years. A wonderful experience overall, with lots of highs and some lows.

"You spend a year away when you leave this area, as I did last year, and that's when you come to love it even more. It dawns on you what you had. You recognise the wonder of that period. Gundogan stated in a City release, "You realise how big the club is—the best club in the world."

Gundogan's comeback comes at a perfect time for City, after Julian Alvarez left for Atletico Madrid, reportedly for a cost as high as 95 million euros (£81 million, $104 million).
When they both joined the team in 2016, he was Pep Guardiola's first acquisition.

After going on to score 60 goals in 304 games, Gundogan will offer depth and experience to Guardiola's team as they aim to win the Premier League for a record-breaking fifth time in a row.

"One of the best professionals I have ever worked with is Ilkay. Txiki Begiristain, Director of Football at City, said of the player, "His commitment to the game and his approach to every training session is something special."

For everyone, it is wonderful news that he can return here. Not only will he assist us in achieving our primary goal of winning trophies, but he will serve as an inspiration to countless others, Begiristain continued.

After Brazilian winger Savinho arrived, Gundogan became City's second acquisition of the transfer window.