Ilkay Gundogan Archives

Galatasaray sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on free transfer

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on Tuesday signed for Galatasaray from Manchester City on a free transfer, both teams announced.

The 34-year-old has agreed a deal until the end of the 2026-27 season with the Turkish champions.

“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Gundogan, who played 358 games in two spells at City, scoring 65 goals.

“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.”

Gundogan, who was born in Germany to Turkish parents, was Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City in 2016 and spent seven years there before joining Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.

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He rejoined City in August 2024 and made 33 appearances in the Premier League last season as Guardiola’s side finished third.

Gundogan won the Premier League five times at City as well as the Champions League in 2022-23.

He previously played for Bochum, Nuremberg, and Borussia Dortmund. He won the Bundesliga title in 2012 with Dortmund.

“Ilkay Gundogan is a name synonymous with success at Manchester City,” said City director of football Hugo Viana. “We will never forget his legacy here.”

Galatasaray, who have qualified for the Champions League, said no transfer fee will be paid.

“A contract has been signed with the player, valid until the end of the 2026/27 season,” Galatasaray said in a statement.

The 82-time-capped former Germany international and captain will play alongside former German national teammate Leroy Sane in Turkey.

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Ilkay Gundogan returns to Manchester City from Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan said he had returned to the “best club in the world” after re-signing for Manchester City from Barcelona on Friday.

The former German international won five Premier League titles and the Champions League among 12 major trophies during his first spell at City between 2016 and 2023.

Gundogan departed the English champions just over a year ago to join Barcelona.

However, the 33-year-old and the Catalan giants reportedly agreed to rescind his contract after just one season to pave the way for a return to the Etihad.

In his sole season in Spain, Gundogan scored five goals and provided 14 assists but Barca failed to win a trophy.

“I’m incredibly happy,” Gundogan said in a City statement. “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, and a few downs, but in general, an incredible experience.

“When you leave this place like I did last year, you spend a year away, and you then start to appreciate the place even more. You realise what you had. You realise how amazing that time was.

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“You realise how big the club is — the best club in the world.”

Gundogan’s return is a timely boost for Manchester City after the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for a reported fee of up to 95 million euros (£81 million, $104 million).

He was Pep Guardiola’s first signing when both joined the club in 2016.

Ilkay Gundogan went on to score 60 goals in 304 appearances and will provide experience and depth to Guardiola’s squad as they go for a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title.

“Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special,” said City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain.

“To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many.”

Ilkay Gundogan is City’s second signing of the transfer window after the arrival of Brazilian winger Savinho.

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Germany captain Gundogan retires from international football

Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday after leading his country at Euro 2024, citing “a certain tiredness” both physically and mentally.

“After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career,” Gundogan wrote on social media.

“I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country – a number that I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011.”

His retirement follows those of Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller. Kroos hung up his boots for good after Euro 2024, while Mueller called time on his Germany career last month.

Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, skippered the Germany team that reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain after extra time.

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Despite the pain of that defeat, Germany demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with again after the disappointment of successive World Cup group-stage exits either side of a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020.

“My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship last summer,” said the Barcelona midfielder.

Ilkay Gundogan, who won five Premier League titles and the Champions League in seven seasons with Manchester City before moving to Barcelona last year, admitted to feeling the effects of a busy schedule before the start of Euro 2024.

“I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not going to get any less,” he said.

“I will definitely continue to be a fan of this national team and very much hope that the upward trend can continue together – and then there is nothing to stop us from being one of the main title contenders at the 2026 World Cup.

“We have a fantastic coach, a really strong team and a great team spirit.”

Ilkay Gundogan made his debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011 but missed their 2014 World Cup triumph with a back injury. He was also ruled out of Euro 2016 due to a dislocated kneecap.

He became the first German footballer of Turkish descent to captain the national team and appeared at four major tournaments. He was also an unused squad member at Euro 2012.

“Ilkay was an outstanding captain, with whom I would have liked to continue working,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“The door to the national team is never completely closed, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for his future, both professionally and privately.”

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