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<\/div>\nIlkay Gundogan says it has been a \u201ctotal privilege and pleasure\u201d to play for Manchester City after joining Barcelona on a free transfer.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old was offered a new deal by City but will instead move to Barca on a two-year deal, with the option to extend for another year.<\/p>\n
His contract with City expires at the end of June.<\/p>\n
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\u201cManchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City,\u201d\u00a0the Germany midfielder said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gundogan played 51 games in 2022-23, scoring 11 goals, as he played a key role in City winning the Treble.<\/p>\n
He scored six goals in his final seven games \u2013 including a double in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester United.<\/p>\n
Gundogan\u2019s contract with Barcelona has a buyout clause of 400m euros.<\/p>\n
He joined City from Borussia Dortmund for a reported \u00a320m in 2016, and was manager Pep Guardiola\u2019s first signing for the club.<\/p>\n
Gundogan went on to make 304 appearances, scoring 60 goals, and won 12 major trophies \u2013 five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and four Carabao Cups.<\/p>\n
He said he had experienced \u201chundreds of unforgettable moments\u201d with City and captaining the side to the Treble was the \u201cgreatest experience\u201d of his career.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cFirst, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would also like to thank all my team-mates \u2013 past and present \u2013 who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cFurthermore 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
City director Txiki Begiristain praised Gundogan\u2019s \u201cintelligence, leadership and commitment\u201d to the club and said those qualities had been an \u201cinspiration to everyone\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIlkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career,\u201d said Begiristain.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd he leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gundogan\u2019s departure follows\u00a0City agreeing a deal worth up to \u00a330m with Chelsea to sign Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic.<\/p>\n
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