Ilkay Gundogan Reflects on Manchester City Departure and Future

Ilkay Gundogan has expressed gratitude for his time at Manchester City, reflecting on a challenging but rewarding final season with the club. After helping the team recover from a difficult campaign, Gundogan’s contributions were pivotal in securing a return to the Champions League. He departed for Galatasaray in September 2023, leaving behind a legacy marked by resilience and achievement.

The 34-year-old midfielder played a significant role in City’s resurgence during the latter part of the season. Initially, the team had high hopes of defending their Premier League title, but they faced numerous challenges, eventually finishing in the top four. Gundogan’s experience and leadership were vital as the squad grappled with injuries and inconsistent form. During the second half of the season, City won ten and drew two of the twelve matches in which Gundogan started, showcasing the impact of his presence on the pitch.

Despite his contributions, Gundogan faced criticism throughout the season, particularly as he and teammate Bernardo Silva were overused due to the squad’s injury struggles. Nonetheless, Gundogan’s performance triggered an automatic one-year extension to his contract, and he anticipated continuing with the club after they regained their form.

In his emotional farewell letter published in the Manchester Evening News, Gundogan expressed his appreciation for the support from fans and the local community. He acknowledged the difficulties of the previous season but emphasized the importance of those experiences in shaping the team’s character.

Gundogan stated, “I think it was one of the most difficult seasons, probably where we ended the season on the table also kind of reflects that.” He noted that despite the challenges, the team rallied together, culminating in a strong finish that secured their spot in the Champions League.

Reflecting on the latter part of the season, he commented, “I’ve seen a stat somewhere a couple of weeks ago that we haven’t lost any of the last seven or eight games of last season. Really, we won six and drew two.” This impressive record underscored the team’s ability to find their rhythm when it mattered most.

As Gundogan embarks on his new adventure with Galatasaray, he leaves Manchester City with fond memories. He believes that the struggles they faced ultimately made their achievements more rewarding. “Going through the struggles… just makes all the achievements sweeter and better,” he remarked.

With Gundogan’s departure, City will need to maintain the consistency they showcased at the end of last season to avoid further disappointment. As Gundogan transitions into this new chapter, his legacy at Manchester City will undoubtedly be remembered for its impact and contributions to the club’s success.