A Manchester City legend leaves the club with class and dignity | OneFootball

Yesterday saw Ilkay Gundogan complete a permanent move from Manchester City to Galatasaray. The City legend gets to play out the final years of his storied career at the club he supported as a child. Ilkay Gundogan has handled his exit from Manchester City with class and dignity. That isn’t a surprise given the person and player that the German midfielder is.

Ilkay Gundogan has written a heartfelt letter to Manchester City fans to say goodbye.

As he said goodbye to Manchester City and everyone associated with the club, Ilkay Gundogan wrote an emotional letter published in the Manchester Evening News. The German midfielder thanked the City fans, his teammates, and the staff at the club. He also spoke of Manchester City’s desire to embark on a new era at the club. The letter from Ilkay Gundogan can be viewed at the link above. The letter was a beautiful touch from the City legend and perfectly encapsulated Gundogan as a person and a player.

Ilkay Gundogan once again leaves City as a club legend who gave everything to the club.

Ilkay Gundogan’s standing at Manchester City is already well-established. Before he left the club for Barcelona in the summer of 22/23, his efforts during City’s era of success had solidified his standing at the club. His second spell at the club has not diminished his legacy in any way. If anything, he has enhanced it further, given the trying circumstances that he had to play under last season.

As Manchester City’s squad was hit with injuries last season, Ilkay Gundogan made 54 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side. He scored five goals and added eight assists. Gundogan also played in a multitude of roles. Rodri’s ACL injury forced Gundogan to play more often than expected. He never put in less than 100% and was always there for his team. While last season wasn’t the best for Pep Guardiola’s side or Gundogan, Gundogan’s efforts were crucial in City securing Champions League football for this season.

Ilkay Gundogan leaves City for Galatasaray as a legend of the club. Whether his team was challenging for titles or fighting for Champions League qualification, he never let his team down. Thanks again, Ilkay Gundogan, for your efforts at Manchester City. They have helped establish City as a force in European football, and the class and dignity you have shown on the way out perfectly encapsulates you as a player and human being.