Pep says Ilkay Gündogan’s return to Man City was a ‘surprise’

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has revealed that the chance to bring Ilkay Gündogan back to Manchester City came as an unexpected opportunity.

The German midfielder, who spent last season with Barcelona, has rejoined City on a one-year deal, with an option to extend for another year. Guardiola admitted that this development was a surprising turn of events.

“Most of the time all the managers say in the transfer window anything can happen so this is the real proof.,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.

“It was a surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well; the staff and players.
“We know the quality he plays last year at Barcelona. High, high level.
“We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open and we’re delighted he is back.”

Gündogan has agreed to write-off the two remaining years of his Barcelona contract to return to City on a free transfer. Sources have told ESPN he also received interest from Saudi Arabia, but his preference was to return to Manchester.

“The important thing is he wants to come back,” Guardiola said. “I got the message from [sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] that Ilkay wants to talk to you and call you. He called me and asked about the situation.

“I said yes and now we are here and he has to deliver a good season.

“The feeling is that he doesn’t come to retire or to remember good memories. We have time to do that in the future. Now it is time to put your shoes on and do your best.”

Gündogan becomes Manchester City’s second acquisition of the summer, following the addition of Brazilian winger Savinho.

Sources suggest that the club remains interested in adding another forward before the transfer window shuts, with the deadline rapidly approaching on August 30.

“I don’t know what is going to happen,” Guardiola said. “Could happen something in terms of injuries; hopefully not. Right now I don’t think so.”

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