Ilkay Gundogan made his second debut in a Manchester City shirt against Ipswich Town as the hosts won 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium..
Despite the German’s return to Manchester City being announced on Friday, he was deemed ready to not just be a part of the matchday squad but also play against Kieran McKenna’s side.
Gundogan came on alongside Jack Grealish as Jeremy Doku and Savinho were taken off by Pep Guardiola
The 33-year-old slotted into Bernardo Silva’s position as an attacking midfielder, as the latter was tasked to play on the right-wing after Savinho’s substitution.
Pep Guardiola would have been delighted to witness Gundogan look typically sharp in his cameo off the bench.
The former Barcelona maestro’s passing, technique and positioning were aspects that instantly stood out about his game.
Gundogan has his say on Man City fans’ reaction to him coming on against Ipswich
There was one moment in particular that stood out as Gundogan and Erling Haaland played a few one-two’s with each other where both exhibited their quick feet, trickery and skill in a tight area outside the opposition box.
The five-time Premier League winner also tried to find the £375,000-a-week man in behind on a few occassions.
While Gundogan’s passes were cut out by the visiting defence, it seems like he remains up to speed with how his teammates at the Etihad Stadium operate.
The decorated midfielder’s passing to the wide players also stood out during his substitute appearance.
Both in terms of his fitness and ability in possession, the former City captain looks ready to impact proceedings from the get-go.
As the ex-Borussia Dortmund technician came on to the pitch, the home fans roared and clapped in support of the return of one of their club legends.
Gundogan was appreciative of the overwhelmingly positive reaction, sending a brief message to the Manchester City supporters after his side defeated Ipswich.
On X, he wrote: “This made me feeling like home again. Goosebumps all over me. Thanks so much for this warm reception.”
The return of Ilkay Gundogan to Man City is the feel-good transfer of the summer
Much like when Thierry Henry returned to Arsenal on loan from New York Red Bulls or when Paul Scholes came back from retirement to represent Manchester United again, Gundogan re-signing for Manchester City is as feel-good a story as it gets.
Despite his story as a City player getting the fairytale ending it deserved as he lifted the club’s first Champions League title as their captain, it seems the club’s supporters still feel he is ready to embark on yet another special chapter in sky blue.
While a potential big-money transfer would excite any fanbase, the connection they have with an icon of the club is an irreplaceable feeling.
Such is the tight-knit bond Gundogan shares with the Manchester City supporters and after the legacy he left at the club during his first stint, he merited the warm reception he received on Saturday.
