After a season away all roads brought a Manchester City hero back home | OneFootball

After spending a season at Barcelona all roads brought a Manchester City hero home. Ilkay Gundogan’s return to the club was officially announced yesterday. It is one of the feel-good stories of the transfer window. But it shouldn’t be a surprise given that Gundogan’s drive and determination match that of his manager and his club.

At the end of the 22/23 season, Ilkay Gundogan’s position as a Manchester City legend was secure. He was the captain during City’s treble-winning campaign and his performances for the club speak for themselves. Across seven seasons at the club, he had solidified his status as a club legend. When his departure from Manchester City to Barcelona was announced, he left with well wishes from everyone associated with Manchester City. Gundogan had more than earned that right. But the more time he spent at Barcelona, the more it seemed like Ilkay didn’t belong at Barca.

Barcelona’s issues as a club are well-documented. Now isn’t the time to reflect on those, nor is it the forum for such a discussion. But as Barcelona fell behind Real Madrid in La Liga and crashed out of the UEFA Champions League to PSG last season you could sense Gundogan’s frustration. The Manchester City legend blasted Ronald Araujo for his red card that saw Barca eliminated by PSG in last season’s Champions League. Ilkay Gundogan demands high standards from himself and his teammates. As last season progressed, it was clear he wasn’t getting what we wanted from his move to Barcelona.

The chance to come home was too good to pass up for Gundogan and Manchester City.

Despite this, it didn’t feel like the opportunity for Ilkay Gundogan to return to Manchester City would arrive. The German international was preparing for the 24/25 season with Barcelona. That was until Barcelona’s financial situation forced their hand. Due to the club’s financial situation, they could not register new Dani Olmo. Something had to break. They then decided to allow Gundogan to leave the club. It was this opportunity that allowed City to swoop. It has also seen a fairytale homecoming become a reality.

You can see just how happy Ilkay Gundogan is to return home. You can see it in the videos and images shared by Manchester City on their official website and social media platforms. Gundogan told mancity.com why he jumped at the opportunity to return home. Speaking about his return to the club he said: “I’m incredibly happy. Happy to see the team-mates, the staff, people that over seven years I had an amazing time with, a very successful time with. Many ups, a few downs, but in general, an incredible experience. When you leave this place like I did last year, you spend a year away, you then start to appreciate the place even more. You realise what you had. You realise how amazing that time was. You realise how big the club is – the best club in the world.”

Summary

Ilkay Gundogan has returned home. Back where he belongs. Back to the club where the standards of the club, players and manager match those of Ilkay Gundogan. Once the opportunity to leave Barcelona was presented to the German international it seemed an obvious move that he would return home. To the best club in the world as he told mancity.com.

After a season away everything Ilkay Gundogan craves as a footballer was back at home at Manchester City. It always was. A season away just solidified this fact. Now the second chapter of his storied Manchester City career can begin. It may begin against Ipswich Town at the Etihad. But one thing is certain. Gundogan is home in an environment that brings out the best in him. If that happens again the good times may continue for Manchester City.