S Poddar
Ilkay Gündogan, Manchester City’s German maestro who etched his name into Manchester City’s history books, has made a triumphant return to the Etihad Stadium. News that sent ripples of excitement through the City faithful, longing for the midfielder’s signature for so long.
Gündogan’s decision to come back to City was right after his successful stint at Barcelona, where he continued to be at his best. His heart, though, was clearly still with the club that turned out to be his second home. “My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” the midfielder said.
It was such a time for unrivaled success, and Gündogan was one of the key figures through which Manchester City could dominate English football and set records in the Champions League. One could see the relationship he built with the fans during that era.
That isn’t something hidden from anyone—the amount of respect Gündogan holds for the visionary manager, Pep Guardiola, who brought him to City in the first place. Of course, he has been always heaping praise on the coach’s abilities to raise the players to newer heights and create a winning culture. Working under the guide of this visionary again would definitely be one prime reason for his return.
As Gündogan steps back onto familiar Etihad turf, he brings with him some rich experience and a record for the same. He can set the game at his desired tempo with his great range of passing and vision for finding a goal—the value of which to any team is of huge proportions.
Any City fan would surely consider the opportunity to see Gündogan in the iconic sky blue jersey once again a real treasure. It is also a compliment to the club that, much like his relationship with its fans, the appeal never fades. With a new season just about to start, Gündoğan’s coming into Manchester will definitely put them in a good position to defend their Premiership title and further clinch European success.
