Huge Man City news as £20 million legend elects to choose Barcelona after momentous Etihad impact

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan will leave the treble-winning club after his contract expires this summer and join Catalan giants Barcelona.

The 32-year-old has been a key cog in the Pep Guardiola machine over recent years and his impact was monumental in helping the side to an historic sweep of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies over the past 12 months.

Gundogan scored 11 goals and recorded seven assists across the season, including an historic brace against Manchester United in the FA Cup final earlier this month.

Penning an emotional goodbye this morning, Gundogan said: “For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years.

“Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City. I have been lucky to have experienced hundreds of unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career.

“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.

"This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity. I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue."

Gundogan moved to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for a reported £20 million to become Guardiola's first-ever signing at the club. Over 304 appearances for the club, the midfielder recorded an impressive 60 goals and 40 assists.

He will now work under Barcelona legend Xavi at the Spanish club who stormed to La Liga victory last season, finishing 10 points ahead of Real Madrid.

Thanking Gundogan for his time at Manchester City, Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: “Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic Treble.

“He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the Club - both on and off the field - has been an inspiration to everyone.

“Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career. And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.”