Ilkay Gundogan has made a surprise return to the Etihad Stadium after Manchester City swooped to re-sign him.
Gundogan, 33, has signed a one year contract with the club which he left a year ago to join FC Barcelona having lifted the Treble in a record-breaking season with City.
He will wear the number 19 shirt for his second spell with the club which is believed to include an optional extra year in his deal.
The former 82-times capped German international had previously been boss Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City in 2016.
And he went on to score 60 goals in 304 appearances over seven years during his first spell with the club culminating in lifting the Treble as club captain in 2023 – including City’s first ever Champions League.
During his sojourn with FC Barcelona he made 51 appearances, scoring five times and creating 14 goals in all competitions.
But challenging financial conditions at Barcelona meant he was given a free transfer to leave the club despite having two years left on his initial three year contract with the Catalan Giants.
And once he knew he was leaving the club there was only one destination for Gundogan despite offers from around the world once he became available – City had extended an open invitation for him to rejoin the club after he left last year.
Gundogan said: “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.
“I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success.
“It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.
“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.
“You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
“And what can I say about my teammates here at City…they are world class footballers.
“I am genuinely delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them.
“Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with.
“His dedication to football and his approach to every single training session is something special.
“He is also an exceptional midfielder.
“His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad.
“To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news for everyone.
“He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many.”