In the current Manchester City squad, barring Jeremy Doku, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Oscar Bobb and Savinho, every other player has played with Ilkay Gundogan.
Erling Haaland had his say on Gundogan’s return — revealing that he is happy to see the 33-year-old re-sign for the club and that he “cannot wait to play with him again.”
Jack Grealish also hailed Gundogan after his goal in Germany’s 2-0 win against Hungary — claiming that “he is one of the best” players he has ever played with.
City sporting director Txiki Begiristain reacted to Gundogan’s return as “fantastic news” and described him as an “exceptional midfielder.
As soon as the five-time Premier League winner’s time at Barcelona was set to end, Fabrizio Romano reported that Pep Guardiola “wanted to talk” to Gundogan about signing for the Sky Blues again.
The German clearly commands respect and admiration in the Manchester City dressing room to this day.
First words Man City superstar said to Gundogan after he re-signed
So much so that Pep Guardiola did not hesitate to bring the midfield maestro on during his side’s 4-1 lashing of Ipswich Town.
The £378,846-a-week man revealed that Gundogan does not need to adapt to his style of play as he is well-versed with his tactical principles, Manchester as a city and the club as a whole via City’s official YouTube channel.
As a result, the former Barcelona technician could be in line to play a crucial role for his new club upon his return to the Etihad Stadium — judging by Guardiola’s assessment.
However, City supporters would have been excited to discover how the players reacted upon playing with the club legend yet again.
In the latest episode of ‘Inside City’, when Kevin De Bruyne first saw Gundogan in the canteen, he joked: “Welcome, this is City.”
The Belgian gave his returning teammate a hug and proceeded to ask: “How are you?”
Bernardo Silva also said: “I’m so happy for you.”
De Bruyne reaction to Gundogan return indicates Man City mood
The jovial reaction from De Bruyne indicates how delighted the Manchester City players are to see Gundogan becoming a part of their squad again.
Having spent seven years at City before his departure last year, it is natural that he is loved and respected by his teammates.
De Bruyne and his other teammates do not need an introduction to the incredible player and character Gundogan is.
The Gelsenkirchen-born midfielder was a pivotal cog in the Manchester City vice-captain and the club as a whole dominating English football.
Gundogan could help City achieve such lofty ambitions yet again.
New signings are expected to bring a renewed sense of energy and freshness to any dressing room.
But when the new signing in question is one of the club’s greatest-ever players, the mood within the camp must be uplifted far more than if any fresh face were to put pen to paper.
