Ilkay Gundogan: Man City reveal that their skipper has signed a free move to join Barcelona<br /><br />Ilkay Gundogan: Man City confirm captain has joined Barcelona on free transfer<br /><br />Gundogan was offered a new deal by City but will instead move to the Spanish champions on a two-year deal, with the option to extend for another year.<br /><br />The 32-year-old's contract with City expires at the end of June.<br /><br />"Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City," the Germany midfielder said. <br /><br />Gundogan played 51 games in 2022-23, scoring 11 goals, as he played a key role in City winning the Treble.<br /><br />He scored six goals in his final seven games - including a double in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United.<br /><br />Gundogan's contract with Barcelona has a buyout clause of 400m euros.<br /><br />He joined City from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £20m in 2016, and was manager Pep Guardiola's first signing for the club.<br /><br />Gundogan went on to make 304 appearances, scoring 60 goals, and won 12 major trophies - five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups.<br /><br />He said he had experienced "hundreds of unforgettable moments" with City and captaining the side to the Treble was the "greatest experience" of his career.<br /><br />He added: "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.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />City director Txiki Begiristain praised Gundogan's "intelligence, leadership and commitment" to the club and said those qualities had been an "inspiration to everyone".<br /><br />"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," said Begiristain.<br /><br />"And he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club."<br /><br />Gundogan's departure follows City agreeing a deal worth up to £30m with Chelsea to sign Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic.<br /><br />
