https://www.myjoyonline.com/man-city-confirm-ilkay-gundogan-will-join-barcelona-on-free-transfer/-------https://www.myjoyonline.com/man-city-confirm-ilkay-gundogan-will-join-barcelona-on-free-transfer/

Manchester City have confirmed captain Ilkay Gundogan will leave the club and join Barcelona on a free transfer.

Gundogan was offered a new contract by City but will instead move to the Spanish champions on a two-year deal.

The Germany midfielder, whose City contract expires at the end of June, said it had been a "total privilege and pleasure" to play for the club.

"Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City," Gundogan added in a statement.

The 32-year-old played 51 games in 2022-23, scoring 11 goals, as he played a key role in City winning the Treble.

He scored six goals in his final seven games - including a double in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester United.

Gundogan's contract with Barcelona has a buyout clause of 400m euros.

He joined City from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £20m in 2016, and was manager Pep Guardiola's first signing for the club.

Gundogan went on to make 304 appearances, scoring 60 goals, and won 12 major trophies - five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups.

He said he had experienced "hundreds of unforgettable moments" with City and captaining the side to the Treble was the "greatest experience" of his career.

He added: "First, I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget.

"I would also like to thank all my team-mates - past and present - who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing.

"Furthermore I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support."

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