Ilkay Gundogan says he has returned to the ‘best club in the world’ after re-signing for Manchester City.

The 33-year-old left the Etihad to join Barcelona in the summer of 2023, just two weeks after guiding City to a memorable Treble.

Indeed, his first spell with City proved to be an astonishing period of success, with the midfielder collecting 14 major trophies in seven seasons. But after just 12 months in La Liga with Barcelona, he has made a dramatic return to Manchester, subject to international clearance – and he couldn’t be happier to have completed the move.

“I’m incredibly happy,” he said. “Happy to see the team-mates, the staff, people that over seven years I had an amazing time with, a very successful time with. Many ups, a few downs, but in general, an incredible experience.

“When you leave this place like I did last year, you spend a year away, you then start to appreciate the place even more. You realise what you had. You realise how amazing that time was.

“You realise how big the club is – the best club in the world. In terms of football, getting back onto that level and coming back now a year later is an incredible feeling, and I am very pleased. I’m very happy. I feel privileged to share the dressing room again with these amazing players.”

Meanwhile, Gundogan has described City manager Pep Guardiola as ‘a genius’.