Ilkay Gundogan has told Stefan Ortega Moreno on Instagram that he helped make his final season at Manchester City ‘special’.
The midfielder is officially leaving the club to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Gundogan departs the Etihad as a legend, having been front and centre of the club’s success over the last seven years.
The ace might have stayed on.
But ultimately, City’s proposals were not right for him, and Barca have always been something of a dream move for him.
The ace will now take on a new challenge, and every City fan will be wishing him well.
Many of his City teammates have already done that.
And one very heartfelt message came in from Ortega.
Ilkay Gundogan replies to Stefan Ortega’s very wholesome message on Instagram
Of all the tributes that have been made about Gundogan, Ortega’s is perhaps the best.
He wrote on Instagram about his fellow German: “Ilkay – I don’t even know where to begin with… Thank you for the last year together! It was a privilege to have you as our captain and leader in this historic season!
“Even with our success on the field, I especially want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me off the pitch! You definitely will be missed, particularly in our German coffee corner.”
“I am extremely honoured to call you as one of my best friends and I wish you all the best at your new adventure – even though you have now left me on my own for @scottcarson33’s German lessons.”
Gundogan then commented on Ortega’s post, saying: “I love you my friend. You made this season even more special for me and I will be always grateful for that! See you soon my friend!”
Ortega must be gutted about Gundogan’s exit at Man City
It is very clear from this interaction that Ortega and Gundogan had a very close bond.
That was perhaps to be expected since they both hail from Germany.
The £55,000-a-week star will be particularly sad that Gundogan has now left the club. But of course, he will also be thrilled for his friend that he’s making a dream move.
Given how much Gundogan enjoyed his time at City, it would be no surprise if he came back to visit the club every so often.
