Ilkay Gundogan admitted the allure of reuniting with Pep Guardiola was a key reason behind his decision to return to Manchester City.
Gundogan left City on a free transfer last season to sign for Barcelona after seven years at the Etihad.
However, despite a successful first season in Spain, the German midfielder was told he could leave to help free up finances and help the club register new signing Dani Olmo.
The 33-year-old was Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City back in 2016 and revealed his desire to work with the Spaniard again was a key reason to return to the Premier League on an initial one-year deal.
‘Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player,’ Gundogan said.
‘You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
‘My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.
‘I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.
‘To have the opportunity to return here means so much.’
Having worn the number eight shirt throughout his first spell at the club, Gundogan will now wear the number 19, with Kovacic occupying the eight shirt.
The German midfielder wore number 22 whilst at Barcelona but is hoping a new number can help him get back to winning ways.
‘Obviously number 21 and 22 were free as well and I was last year 22 in Barcelona and I was 21 in the German national team, but I didn’t win any trophies with these number,’ Gundogan revealed when explaining his decision to switch numbers.
‘So, I thought OK and number 19 is between 18 and 20 between my two friends Bernardo Silva and Stefan Ortega.
‘So that might be a sign, you know, and I just went for it. So let’s see.’
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