Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is leaving the club after last season’s historic treble: the German footballer has signed a contract with Spanish champions Barcelona.

Ilkay GundoganPhoto: Ryan Browne / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Ilkay Gundogan, the new player of Barcelona

Gundogan spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium and Pep Guardiola made it clear he wanted to leave after the best season in the club’s history (winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League).

After the end of the contract, Gundogan signed a 2-year deal with the team from Catalonia (with an option to extend for another season).

FC “Barcelona” has set a release clause of 400 million euros for the German.

“Dear city, when I first came here, I was a childless young man with many dreams. It’s hard for me to believe, but I’m leaving after seven years as a father who has made every dream come true. Today is a bittersweet day.

Farewell messages are never easy, but with this team it’s even harder. When I had to tell the guys in the group chat that I was leaving, I was very emotional. I will miss them all, to be honest.

But I’m happy to say I’m leaving here a champion and I have nothing but love for the club in my heart. How many football players can say goodbye as captains of the team that won the “three”” – Ilkay Gundogan.