Ilkay Gundogan completes Barcelona move from Man City

Barcelona has roped in the services of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City, both clubs confirmed on Monday. The German international has agreed to join the Spanish giants on a two-year deal with an option of extending the contract by one year.

Gundogan’s contract with the Cityzens was about to be expired at the end of the month. His release clause has been fixed at €400 million.

As per the reports in ESPN, City was unwilling to match Barca’s financial offer and would only extend Gundogan’s contract for one year with an option for a second. The 32-year-old achieved great success with the Sky Blues and he is proud of his successful stint with Pep Guardiola’s team.

“Today is bittersweet. Goodbyes are never easy, but it’s even harder with this team,” Gundogan wrote in the Players Tribune.

“When I had to break the news to the boys that I was leaving in our group chat, I was very emotional. I will miss all of them, honestly. But I am happy to say that I’m leaving here as a champion, and I have nothing but love for the club in my heart. How many footballers can say goodbye as the captain of a treble team?

“It’s amazing what we achieved. Five Premier League titles in my seven years here. Two FA Cups. The Champions League. The treble. But those are just trophies. The thing that I will remember the most is the feeling inside the squad, especially this season. I’ve never experienced something like it in football.”

Gundogan becomes Barcelona’s first signing of the summer and he will look to deliver the goods for the team. He netted 11 goals in 51 appearances this season for Manchester City, including a brace in the FA Cup final against Manchester United. The German international says bids adieu to City after winning five Premier League titles and 14 trophies in total.