"They will always be part of this club..." | OneFootball

It’s not been lost on City fans that three of the starting XI in the Champions League final left the Club within 24 hours of a frantic summer transfer window.

Of course, the trio are as follows…

Manuel Akanji, the man that provided the threaded pass to Bernardo who then pulled the ball back for Rodri to score the winning goal against Inter during that unforgettable night in 2023.

Ederson, the goalkeeper that kept a clean sheet and made a wonderful instinctive reflex save from Romelu Lukaku from point blank range as well as another crucial stop in the dying seconds to preserve our slender advantage.

And Ilkay Gundogan, our captain who got to realise a boyhood dream as he lifted the Champions League trophy, completing the Treble in a place so close to his heart.

Ironically, Gundogan and Ederson will now line up against each other after joining teams in the country where the final was hosted – Turkey.

While Fenerbahce is around 13 miles from Istanbul, Galatasaray are based in the Turkish metropolis, meaning Ederson and Ilkay will likely live close to one another for the next few years.

Akanji’s move also has an uncanny Champions League final link, with the Swiss defender actually joining our final opponent Inter on a season-long loan.

It’s fair to say all three players will be continually reminded of that incredible night at the Ataturk Stadium in June 2023 in the coming weeks and months.

Ederson wrote, posting a heartfelt farewell message on Instagram, said: “To the Cityzens, there are no words strong enough to describe that I feel. You transformed every game into something bigger than football. Your unconditional support, the energy in the stadium, your messages in difficult times and your celebrations in moments of glory were my fuel.

“Manchester is blue because of you and that colour will forever be in my heart. Two of my three children were born here which makes it more than just a place - it's a home that I will carry forever.”

Gundogan wrote a similar message praising the supporters and the Club for his glorious stay with the Blues.

And, of course, our fans will be forever indebted to al three, as well as everyone who represented Manchester City at the Ataturk Stadium.

Lifelong City fan Liam Wright, 37, from Ancoats, was at the final and like most City followers, has nothing but fond memories of all three players.

Liam Wright, pictured second from the right at the Ataturk Stadium

“What I would say about Ederson that night is – and I think there is a big argument to be had about this – that it was the best game he ever had for us,” says Wright.

“He made several vital saves, with the one off his leg from Lukaku and another right at the end that was reminiscent of the Ben Watson goal for Wigan in the 2013 FA Cup final – only this one was saved.

“Ederson helped develop the game in this country with what he did with his feet, but his legacy in this game was as much with his hands as it was with his feet.

“He made vital stops and kept us in the games at times, and I believe it was as good a game as he had for City that night.

“As for Akanji, he was only in his first season with us, and he was as reliable and steady that night as he always was.

“I think going into the final, he’d played pretty much every position across the back four at different times and it was his ball that set Bernardo through to set up the winner.

“We tend to think of ball-playing centre-backs at City like John Stones and Aymeric Laporte over the years, but Akanji could pick a pass, too.

“He was a key part of a very solid defensive display that night.

“As for Ilkay, he had a very Ilkay game against Inter.

“He always turned up for the big occasions and he kept the ball moving after Kevin De Bruyne’s night ended early and while he might not have scored or made an assist, his contribution was effective and vital.

“At the end of the day, he was the first captain in Manchester City’s history to lift the Champions League to complete the Treble, which is an incredible achievement.

“He was the leader of team in the greatest night in the Club’s history, and he was a wonderful captain for us.

“Overall, it was an unforgettable night for the Club and our fans and in many ways, it’s quite sad that we’ve lost five or six players in what feels like a very short time.

“It was a night no City fan will forget and all the players who played that night will  always have such a special place in all of our hearts and it’s a shame we haven’t had the chance to give them a proper send off.

“Maybe there will be a chance to do that in the future. I hope so – they deserve nothing less.”

WATCH: City 1-0 Inter: Extended Champions League final highlights