Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a deal until June 30, 2025, the Spanish club said on Monday.

The 32-year-old's contract includes an option to stay for one more season and a buyout clause of €400 million.

The English club said the move brings "an end to a hugely successful seven-year stay."

"For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan said about his time with the Citizens, "Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City."

"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," he said about his former manager, Josep Guardiola, who is also a Barcelona legend.

Gundogan, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in July 2016, netted 60 goals in 304 appearances for the Citizens.

He bagged the 2023 UEFA Champions League trophy, five English Premier League titles and two FA Cup trophies during his time with the Manchester side.