Ilkay Gündogan’s journey at Manchester City had a rocky beginning, as he arrived injured and his first season was cut short due to a torn cruciate ligament. However, he now departs the club after seven years as a crucial member of a treble-winning team, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
When Pep Guardiola brought Gündogan to City in 2016 for a mere £20m from Borussia Dortmund, he knew the true value of the midfielder. Despite joining the club on a free transfer, Gündogan has proven to be a bargain for City. Throughout his time at the club, he has achieved five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and, most importantly, a Champions League triumph in Istanbul.
Let’s start from the end. While Erling Haaland has received most of the attention for his remarkable goal-scoring record after following Gündogan’s path from Dortmund to Manchester, it is the midfielder who has been the unsung hero driving City to success. In the crucial weeks of the season when the title race hung in the balance, Gündogan stepped up and scored two crucial goals against Leeds and Everton, solidifying City’s lead over Arsenal. After sealing yet another title, Gündogan received praise from Roy Keane, who acknowledged his special talent. This signifies not only Gündogan’s humility but also the great respect he has earned in the football world.
Gündogan’s impact in City’s Premier League title triumphs goes beyond just his goals. In the previous season, as City faced the threat of losing the title to Liverpool on the final day against Aston Villa, Gündogan came off the bench and scored two crucial goals that turned the tide and secured a dramatic victory. His ability to stay composed under pressure is a defining characteristic of his game and has served City well.
Although Gündogan was not initially brought to City for his goal-scoring prowess, his exceptional moments in front of the net will be what he is remembered for. However, his true impact lies in his evolution as a midfielder. Similar to David Silva, whom Kevin De Bruyne compared Gündogan to, the German midfielder possesses a unique ability to find space and make the most of it to drive City forward. As his time with the club progressed, Gündogan became more attacking, perfectly timing his runs into areas that caused maximum damage to opponents. His composed nature allowed him to pick his spot with precision, and his teammates always knew where to find him.
Gündogan recently signed a two-year deal with Barcelona after seven successful years at Manchester City. His ambitions extend beyond his playing career, as many have tipped him to become an elite coach. He has already worked with City’s youth players and is known for his deep-thinking approach to the game. Seeking new experiences and a chance to learn a different style of football, Gündogan’s decision to join Barcelona reflects his desire for personal growth.
Gündogan’s leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed by City, and he was elected captain by his peers at the start of the season. Even before that, he played a crucial role in the team’s leadership group, leading by example on the training ground to ensure his teammates met the high standards set by their captain.
Off the pitch, Gündogan has made a positive impact on his community. Whether it be paying for Turkish food for 100 people in Manchester during the Champions League final or launching a campaign to support local businesses during the pandemic, he has shown a commitment to making a difference beyond the football field. His close proximity to Guardiola, as neighbors in Manchester, has only further strengthened their bond and allowed Gündogan to learn from his manager, whom he greatly admires.
While Gündogan’s City career may have had a less-than-ideal start, it ended perfectly with the Champions League victory in Turkey, a country with deep familial connections for the German midfielder. Instead of dwelling on what could have been if he had stayed longer, it is best to cherish the memories and celebrate the fruitful partnership between Gündogan and the club. They brought out the best in each other, and that is ultimately what matters.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
