IIKAY GUNDOGAN HEAPS PRAISES ON PEP GUARDIOLA AFTER COMPLETING BARCELONA MOVE

IIKAY GUNDOGAN HEAPS PRAISES ON PEP GUARDIOLA AFTER COMPLETING BARCELONA MOVE. Following his transfer to FC Barcelona, Pep Guardiola has received appreciation from Ilkay Gundogan, the treble-winning former captain of Manchester City.

Gundogan helped the Citizens’ historic season, which includes winning the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, as he ended his extraordinary seven-year association with the club.

The German midfielder, who was named captain for the 2022–23 season, stood out for Man City during the whole season.

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According to Sky Sports, Gundogan made the decision not to renew his contract with the Premier League team and instead chose to sign with Guardiola’s former club, Barcelona. The 32-year-old gushed about the famed Spanish coach on an episode of Players’ Tribune, citing him as a major factor in his choice to play with La Blaugrana.

“I have to say, none of this would have been possible without Pep [Guardiola],” Gundogan told the Players’ Tribune, via Tribuna.

The German said that he and his old mentor have always bonded well. “I think maybe Pep was hoping that we would come here to City together and leave together, but I know that he understands my decision. I am sure it helps that I’m going to his boyhood club. Hopefully, we’ll have a reunion soon in a Champions League final,” Gundogan added. Gundogan has agreed to a two-year deal with Barcelona through June 2025, with an option for a third year.