Pep Guardiola says that it was a ‘no-brainer’ to bring Ilkay Gundogan back to Manchester City.
The German star has rejoined the Premier League champions from Barcelona and signed a one-year contract.
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In seven years at Man City Gundogan won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League.
He also scored 60 goals in 304 appearances, with his last action in a Man City shirt being to lift the Champions League in June 2023.
Last term he scored five goals in 51 matches for Barcelona.
Gundogan was made available for transfer with Barcelona’s financial issues continuing as they attempt to register new signings like Dani Olmo, leaving Guardiola to make the easy decision to bring him back to England.
Discussing the move, Guardiola said: “We know him quite well. Me, personally but the staff the players and everyone.
“We know the quality that he played with last season in Barcelona, playing at a high, high level and playing with consistency, playing a lot of games and producing a lot.
“We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open and yeah, I’m absolutely delighted that he’s back.
“I got a message from Txiki [Begiristain] saying Ilkay wants to talk to you. He called me and asked about the situation and if there was a chance to come back if I would like it and we said yes immediately.
“I have a feeling that he doesn’t come here to retire or remember good memories that we have. We have time for the good memories in the future but now it’s time for shoes on and play your best.”
Asked if it was an easy yes, Guardiola replied: “Yeah.
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“Of course, he’s not a teenager any more but the reason that we decided to do it was because of the level he played at last season.
“If the last season was one at a level that we didn’t expect him to deliver then we’d have to think about it but even at the Euros under Nagelsmann he played really, really well.
“He knows what we want to do. He doesn’t need to adapt – he knows the city, he knows the club and the way we want to play so he’ll be immediately settled well.
“That’s why we could do it and we did it.”
Speaking to Man City’s official website after completing the move, Gundogan said: “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.
“I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.
“To have the opportunity to return here means so much.
“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
“And what can I say about my teammates here at City…they are world class footballers. I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them.
“Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
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