Pep Guardiola believes Ilkay Gundogan has all the attributes to help Manchester City “fight again” for titles this season following his return to the club from Barcelona.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that it was a “complete surprise” to learn of Ilkay Gundogan‘s desire to re-join the club, but he is delighted to welcome the midfielder back to the Etihad Stadium.
Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing as Man City manager in the summer of 2016 and spent seven hugely successful seasons at the Etihad before moving to Barcelona in June 2023.
The 33-year-old played 51 times for the Catalan giants last season, but their financial troubles ultimately led to his departure from Camp Nou and swift return to Man City on a free transfer.
Gundogan arrives back at Man City where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, two Community Shields and one Champions League in his first spell, scoring 60 goals in 304 appearances.
The midfielder, who captained the Citizens to a historic treble in 2022-23, is motivated as ever to win more silverware with the club, and Guardiola had no doubts about bringing the German back to the Etihad.
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Guardiola ‘surprised’ and ‘delighted’ by Gundogan return
Sharing his initial thoughts on Gundogan’s return at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “It was a complete surprise and unexpected. It happened. We know him quite well, me personally but the players and the staff and everyone.
“We know the quality he played with last season in Barcelona. He played at a high level, consistency with a lot of minutes, producing a lot.
“We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open so we’re absolutely delighted that he’s back.
“I got a message from Txiki [Begiristain] saying Ilkay wants to talk to you. He called me and asked about the situation and if there was a chance to come back if I would like it and we said yes immediately.
“I have a feeling that he doesn’t come here to retire or remember good memories that we have. We have time for the good memories in the future but now it’s time for shoes on and play your best.”
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Guardiola: ‘Gundogan will help us fight for titles again’
Guardiola has confirmed that Gundogan is available to make his second debut for Man City in Saturday’s Premier League clash at home against Ipswich Town, and he has delivered an insight into what he expects from the midfielder this season.
“He played really well last season (for Barcelona) and still I know how competitive he is and he drives his mates to their best,” said the Catalan boss.
“When it happened I said yes. I love midfield players and I love his qualities. He gives us an alternative in the way we want to play. He can adapt in two or three roles perfectly.
“He doesn’t need time to settle. If tomorrow he has to play he knows everything. That’s why it’s comfortable for us and I know his mentality.
“He didn’t come to live his last two or three years here. He will be upset when it’s not going well and happy and thinking of the next one when it’s going well.
“That’s why he’s back – he’s beloved of his mates. For the fans I’m pretty sure of that. He’s going to try to fight again for us.”
Gundogan, who will wear the No.19 shirt, is Man City’s second signing of the summer transfer window after winger Savinho, who made his debut for the club in last weekend’s 2-0 opening win at Chelsea.
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