Ilkay Gundogan welcomes Galatasaray reunion after calling time on second Manchester City stint | OneFootball

The midfielder won a raft of titles over his two stints in Pep Guardiola’s side

Ilkay Gundogan said he was happy to be home after calling time on his second stint with Manchester City to sign with Galatasaray on a free transfer.

He moved back to Manchester after just one season in Spain, though, and the now 34-year-old has decided to head back to his parents’ home country of Turkey.

Speaking on arrival in Istanbul, he said: “It's a very proud day. We've returned home. We're very happy about that.

“It's a great pride to be a part of the Galatasaray community. We've reunited.

“I'm looking forward to the moment I put on that jersey and step into the stadium."

Legend: Gundogan captained Manchester City to Champions League glory

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He added the move took months to engineer: “Talks with Galatasaray started in May or June. There were other issues. We had to wait a bit, but thankfully, we made all the signings on Deadline Day and became part of the Galatasaray family."

Gundogan then offered a farewell to Man City, where he was a fan favourite, saying the club “will always hold a special place in my heart.

“We have enjoyed so much success in our time together and there have been so many unforgettable moments not least being captain for the Treble-winning season.

“To win the Premier League and FA Cup trophies meant so much to me but to then be afforded the opportunity of lifting the Champions League trophy for this Club for the first time, especially in Istanbul, will live with me forever.

“I have no doubts Manchester City will enjoy much more success in the future and I will certainly be watching on from afar as I continue my career in Turkey, a country that means ever such a lot to me.”

In Turkey, Gundogan will reunite with his former Man City teammate Leroy Sane, who joined Galatasaray from Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

Victor Osimhen has also made the move from Napoli for £65million after spending last season on loan with the Cimbom. He averaged more than one goal involvement per game in that stint.

The Turkish transfer window remains open until September 12.