As Ilkay Gundogan stepped on to the Etihad Stadium in a Manchester City shirt in his side’s 4-1 victory against Ipswich Town, the fans reacted as if the hosts had scored a last-minute winner.
Such was the euphoria inside the stadium, with Gundogan thanking the City fans for their warm welcome on Saturday.
It seemed like the Manchester City midfielder would be brought on earlier than he was after Mateo Kovacic picked up a knock.
With Rodri not named in the matchday squad yet again, Gundogan seemed like the natural replacement for the injured Croatian.
However, John Stones was brought on and tasked with screening the back four instead.
Stones was in cruise control and did not look out of place as a holding midfielder against Ipswich.
Stones comments on Man City star’s Instagram post after Ipswich win
The Englishman got his first minutes under the belt during the 2024/2025 season after a summer where he was handed an extended break.
It will be interesting to see whether the £250,000-a-week man is handed his first start of the campaign against West Ham United on Saturday.
Similarly, with Gundogan also coming off the bench against Kieran McKenna’s side, he too could be in to start against the Hammers.
For now, it seems like the most relevant story surrounding Pep Guardiola’s side is the return of their midfield maestro.
Stones seems over the moon about Gundogan re-signing for Manchester City as he commented on his post-match Instagram post after his side won their second league game of the season against Ipswich.
The 30-year-old commented: “Welcome home”, followed by a heart-eyed emoji.
John Stones’ reaction indicates Man City mood upon Ilkay Gundogan return
Considering one of Manchester City’s most senior players in Stones is evidently delighted by Gundogan’s return to the club is an insight into the mood inside the camp.
It seems like the 33-year-old’s decision to sign for the Premier League winners once again has been a move that has uplifted the mood inside the dressing room.
Gundogan seemingly shares a close bond with a majority of the players in the dressing room, whom he dominated club football alongside.
Furthermore, the players must also be aware that not only is the former Barcelona midfielder’s acquisition just a feel-good story as the quality and experience he brings to the dressing room is invaluable.
Top players wish to play with other world-class performers and Gundogan fits the description of the crème de la crème.
