Barcelona has revealed that Ilkay Gundogan has signed a two-year contract extension with the club.
Manchester City were just unwilling to go that far at the age of 32.
Their offer was for a season with the option for a second, which they think is in line with recent contract offers to players of comparable stature.
Time will tell whether the decision is correct, but City have the benefit of approaching the problem from a position of strength as Treble champions.
Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, called Ilkay Gundogan a “inspiration to everyone.”
“Ilkay has been a tremendous servant for Manchester City, and he departs our club on a very unique high,” he says.
“He has been a significant part of our recent success, and Ilkay’s intellect, leadership, and devotion to the Club – both on and off the pitch – has been an inspiration to everyone.”
“Ilkay has certainly established his position in Manchester City history, and we all wish him the best in the next chapter of his career.”
“And he leaves us with the knowledge that he will always be welcome at this football club.”
Ilkay Gundogan leaves his “special family” at Manchester City with a word of thanks to manager Pep Guardiola, his team-mates and the club’s supporters.
The 32-year-old Germany midfielder, who is set to join Barcelona, described captaining the Treble-winning side as “the greatest experience of my career”.
“For me, it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years,” he said.
“Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City.
“I have been lucky to have experienced hundreds of unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career.
“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.
“I would also like to thank all my teammates – past and present – who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing.
“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.
“This club made me realize all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity. I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue.”
