Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City, the Catalan club announced on Monday.
The German midfielder, 32, has agreed to a two-year contract with a one-year extension option and a release clause of 400 million euros ($436 million).
“He is bringing his presence, nose for goal and reading of the game which has made him one of the best midfielders of the past decade,” said Barcelona in a statement.
Gundogan has been a key figure for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team since his arrival in 2016, captaining the club to a spectacular triple this season.
Guardiola revealed that City were trying to prolong the midfielder’s contract after he scored twice in the FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester United.
Manchester City are set to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea to help replace Gundogan, who won five Premier League titles during his stint at the club and helped them win their first ever Champions League this season.
“This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity,” Gundogan told Manchester City’s club website.
“I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue.” Gundogan was the first signing Guardiola made after arriving at City, joining for around 20 million pounds ($25 million).
He joined City after winning the Bundesliga and German Cup with Borussia Dortmund in 2012.
Gundogan scored 60 goals in 304 club appearances, collecting 12 major titles.
“Ilkay has been tremendous, absolutely tremendous,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“To be the captain of this club in this historic treble, lifting the Premier League first and then the FA Cup and then the Champions League, he will go down in the folklore of Manchester City forever.” City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain highlighted Gundogan’s mental attributes.
“Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the club — both on and off the field — has been an inspiration to everyone,” said Begiristain.
