Manchester City legend Ilkay Gündogan departs after glorious era

Ilkay Gündogan, who arrived at Manchester City with an injury and endured a premature end to his first season due to a torn cruciate ligament, departs the club seven years later as a revered figure in their history. 

The German midfielder played a pivotal role in a historic treble-winning team, leaving an indelible mark on Manchester City's success.

Recognizing Gündogan's value, Pep Guardiola made him his inaugural signing for City in the summer of 2016, acquiring the talented midfielder from Borussia Dortmund for a modest fee of £20 million. Although Gündogan is now joining Barcelona on a free transfer, City is well aware that they secured a remarkable bargain. Gündogan will forever be grateful for his contributions to the club, including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the ultimate triumph: winning the Champions League in Istanbul.

While Erling Haaland has garnered much attention for his astounding scoring record since following in Gündogan's footsteps by moving from Dortmund to Manchester, it is the midfielder who has been instrumental in driving City's success. In the crucial final weeks of the season, when the title hung in the balance, Gündogan scored decisive goals against Leeds and Everton, widening the gap between City and Arsenal. Roy Keane, acknowledging Gündogan's exceptional talent, told him, "You are a special player." This exchange exemplifies both Gündogan's modesty and the high esteem in which he is held in the footballing world.

This is not the first time Gündogan played a pivotal role in securing a Premier League title. In the previous season, when City faced the risk of a catastrophic failure on the final day against Aston Villa, potentially handing the title to Liverpool, Gündogan emerged from the bench and scored twice, leading the team to a dramatic victory.

Gündogan's composure under pressure has been a defining trait throughout his time in the Premier League. He has consistently displayed a calm demeanor on the pitch since joining the league, remaining unruffled by any circumstances. At Wembley, in the recent FA Cup final, he demonstrated his incredible technique and coolness under fire by volleying two fantastic goals to defeat Manchester United, solidifying his legendary status at the Etihad Stadium.

While goals were not the primary reason for Gündogan's acquisition, these exceptional moments will be etched in memory. His most significant impact lies in his evolution within City's midfield over the years. Similar to David Silva, whom Kevin De Bruyne compared him to, Gündogan possessed the ability to find space and exploit it effectively, propelling City forward.

As his tenure with the club progressed, Gündogan became more attack-minded, mastering well-timed runs that opponents struggled to track, positioning himself in areas where he could inflict the most damage. Whether he was elegantly sweeping a cross into the bottom corner or meticulously choosing his spot, his teammates always knew where to find him.

Gündogan has been hailed as a potential elite coach once his playing career concludes. He has already worked with City's youth players and is recognized as a thoughtful individual. Seeking new experiences and eager to continue his development, Gündogan opted for a new adventure at Barcelona, where he hopes to learn a different style of football after seven years under Guardiola. Guardiola praised Gündogan's leadership qualities, describing him as a silent leader whose words hold weight.

Off the field, Gündogan has made a positive impact on his surroundings. During the Champions League final, he personally paid for Turkish food for 100 people in Manchester. Two years earlier, he launched a campaign to support local restaurants and cafes during the pandemic. Gündogan actively integrated himself into the community, demonstrating his willingness to help.

Living adjacent to Guardiola in Manchester, Gündogan fostered a close bond with the manager, considering it a privilege to work alongside him and learn his methods for his future coaching aspirations. Guardiola affectionately stated, "I love him. I adore him. I'm married, but I love him." There is much to admire about Gündogan as a player and person.

While Gündogan's City career had a forgettable start, it culminated in a perfect ending with the Champions League victory in Turkey, the birthplace of his family. Rather than dwelling on what might have been had he stayed longer, it is essential to cherish the memories and acknowledge that both the player and the club experienced the best of each other, and that is ultimately what truly matters.