Ilkay Gundogan praised Pep Guardiola’s profound impact on his career following his move to Galatasaray from Manchester City. Gundogan highlighted Guardiola’s role in his development and success, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and achievements they shared during his time at the club.
Ilkay Gundogan has expressed his deep gratitude to Pep Guardiola, acknowledging the Manchester City manager's profound impact on his career. Gundogan, who recently joined Galatasaray after a successful stint with Manchester City, attributes much of his development and achievements to Guardiola's guidance.
The German midfielder's departure marked the end of an era at the Etihad Stadium, where he spent eight seasons across two spells, contributing significantly to the club's success. During his time with City, Gundogan clinched five Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League crown, solidifying his place in the club's history. His leadership qualities were also evident as he captained the team to a memorable treble in the 2022-23 season, further cementing his legacy.
Gundogan's journey with Manchester City was briefly interrupted by a move to Barcelona, but he returned to Guardiola's side in 2024, demonstrating his commitment to the club and his desire to continue working under the renowned manager. Reflecting on his time with Guardiola, Gundogan emphasized the unique relationship they shared, describing it as "more than just a manager-player relationship."
Guardiola's influence on Gundogan's career is undeniable. The midfielder credits Guardiola with providing him with "everything that I wanted in football," highlighting the manager's role in his development and success. Gundogan believes that without Guardiola's guidance, he would not have achieved the same level of success, both individually and collectively with the team.
The sentiment is echoed by many players who have had the privilege of working under Guardiola, particularly during his tenure at Manchester City. Gundogan believes that every player who played under Guardiola during that era would express similar gratitude and acknowledge the profound impact he had on their careers. The opportunity to work with Guardiola is seen as a privilege, and players recognize the invaluable lessons and experiences gained under his tutelage.
Gundogan's contribution to Manchester City is evident in his impressive statistics. He made a total of 358 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his versatility and consistency. Only a select few players, including Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva, surpassed his appearance record during that period. Gundogan also demonstrated his attacking prowess, scoring 65 goals and providing 44 assists, placing him among the top contributors to the team's goal involvements.
One particular moment that stands out in Gundogan's Manchester City career is his record-breaking goal in the 2022-23 FA Cup final against Manchester United. Gundogan's stunning volley after just 12 seconds remains the fastest-ever goal in the history of the competition, etching his name into FA Cup folklore.
That goal not only secured a crucial victory for Manchester City but also highlighted Gundogan's ability to perform under pressure and deliver match-winning moments. During his time with the club, Gundogan added two FA Cup crowns under Guardiola's guidance, as well as four EFL Cup wins, further enriching his trophy-laden career.
While Gundogan's departure from Manchester City marks the end of an era, his legacy at the club will endure. His contributions both on and off the pitch have left an indelible mark on the club, and he will be remembered as one of the key figures in Manchester City's recent success. His move to Galatasaray presents a new challenge and a unique opportunity to represent a club with strong personal connections.
"I'm feeling mixed emotions, to be honest," Gundogan confessed in an interview recorded at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium, the very place where City lifted the Champions League trophy in 2023. "Obviously, being at the club for a total of eight years, collecting many memories – mostly beautiful ones and successful ones – but then also joining my childhood club, the club that I supported since I was a little boy and my whole family supports this club.
"Coming back to our home country, it's something that I'm really looking forward to and that makes me really happy." Gundogan's words highlight the emotional significance of this new chapter in his career, as he embarks on a journey that combines his professional aspirations with his personal roots.
Ilkay Gundogan has joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal, subject to international clearance.
Thank you, @IlkayGuendogan
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 2, 2025