Farewell message from İlkay Gündoğan to Manchester City

Turkish-German footballer İlkay Gündoğan has bid farewell to Manchester City, where he achieved numerous successes and won championships. Having reached an agreement with Galatasaray, İlkay arrived in Istanbul today and signed the contract that ties him to the yellow-reds.

Sharing a post on his social media account, İlkay released a message to his former club and its fans. Stating that he will play for the team he supported in his childhood, the 34-year-old midfielder said, "The reason for my departure is very simple. I still want to play football as often as possible.

Because this is my favorite thing. I will be 35 soon, but I still feel very fit. I truly believe that I can continue to perform at a high level for a Champions League team. Not only that; I will be playing for the team I supported in my childhood and living in a country that means so much to me," he said.

Expressing his respect for Manchester City's start of a new era, İlkay added, "I will never forget what this wonderful club has done for me over many years. Most of the time I spent here was absolutely magnificent and incredibly successful. The club and the city of Manchester will always have a very special place in my heart. I want to thank all my teammates, the chairman, everyone working behind the scenes, all the fans, and of course, Pep, who made this amazing time possible. I am leaving the city with great gratitude. On behalf of my family, thank you."

İlkay Gündoğan made 358 appearances for Manchester City, recording 65 goals and 47 assists.

News Source: İHA