Ilkay Gundogan

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Auf Wiedersehen Gundo , thanks for the memories as Bob Hope used to sing to with great aplomb.

Needed a new challenge to play out his career in a warmer climate with more time on the ball albeit I still felt he could give us another season or two but after some questioning the transfer from Dortmund I think its fair to say even the worst of doubters came to their senses.

To get the best years of football from any player no matter their qualities and value to the team in all aspects that go beyond the playing time is all one supporter can ask for and we certainly got that from this player in spades.

Awfully glad you came
Cheerio
Thank you
Thank you so much.
 
We’ve surely got something in the pipeline if we are willing to let him go over the difference between a one and two year extension.
I find it hard to believe we’ve not got all bases covered.
Been another fabulous signing in a pretty long list so goes with my very best wishes and thanks for everything.
 
He would have announced it right after the champions league win or at the parade if he was intending on staying.

i just dont get moving to barca though. Aside from the financial shitshow and the very real chance he won't get paid what they promise him, he's not even guaranteed to play every week there. Pedri and Gavi are Xavi favourites and being from the academy will always play which means it's him or FDJ or one of their other players for the holding role, something he's very capable of doing but wouldn't say is his best position.

Captain of the treble winning European champions, plays regularly and the best manager in the world wants him to stay and he's going to barca who are never winning the big titles in his last few years and will always be on the brink of complete financial meltdown during his time there. Not a footballing decision.
 
Shame a bit like D Silva could have played a few more years for us.

If I was him maybe I would think now was the time to go.

Think he’ll get a pitch named after him, not quite a statue but he was definitely close.

Thanks for the memories, one of the greats but never fully got the respect he deserved.
 
Newman Noggs said:
Shows the new football order that the old guard are following us around either trying to hijack our deals (and losing millions in the process) or trying to recruit our cast-offs and retirees. Not a long-term strategy in sight.
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Yup, Barcelona are below us in the pecking order. Some older City fans probably never thought they would live to see the day.
 
ninjamonkey said:
He would have announced it right after the champions league win or at the parade if he was intending on staying.

i just dont get moving to barca though. Aside from the financial shitshow and the very real chance he won't get paid what they promise him, he's not even guaranteed to play every week there. Pedri and Gavi are Xavi favourites and being from the academy will always play which means it's him or FDJ or one of their other players for the holding role, something he's very capable of doing but wouldn't say is his best position.

Captain of the treble winning European champions, plays regularly and the best manager in the world wants him to stay and he's going to barca who are never winning the big titles in his last few years and will always be on the brink of complete financial meltdown during his time there. Not a footballing decision.
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he missus wants barcelona and he will enjoy lots of sex for putting his feet up and having the odd kick around in la liga
 
Like most on here, I wish him well.

He leaves as one of our best ever midfielders but, for those (sometimes including me) who used to groan when his name was in the 11, he certainly showed us.

There's something to be said about deciding who is good enough by us much too soon sometimes.

Thanks for being on the ride Gundogan. It's been a pleasure.
 
wolviedinho said:
Am I the only one excited for a midfield overhaul? Love the players leaving but can’t wait to see what the club has planned. We need plenty of creativity.
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I haven't been able to get excited simply because there haven't been many rumors out there of guys that interest us for midfield.
 
Sucks to see him leave, he's a legend as far as I'm concerned.

Midfield probably doesn't need anymore than just Kovacic even with Bernie leaving.

KdB, Kovacic, Phil and Alvarez can easily play the 2 midfield spots.

McAtee + Bobb as youth depth and it's completely covered.
 
Does this signal FDJ to City? Barca have replacement and high wages off the bill with a decent fee also for FDJ?
 
Gundo was always leaving at year's end. City knew it. We don't let players run down their contracts and then look to keep them. When Gundo kicked on like that in the business end it may have given City pause thus the 1 year plus an option offer. I believe City were planning on Bellingham as the replacement and so I won't be the least bit surprised if Rice becomes plan B.

Kovacic was an independent move IMO to add veteran depth with Pep believing 3 established 8s was not a viable route going forward whether it was [KDB, Bernardo, Gundo] or [KDB, Bernardo, Bellingham] or [KDB, Bernardo, Rice, which I believe it will be} or [KDB, Foden, Rice, if Bernardo were to also leave, meaning City would move for a RW}. That would leave us with KDB, Rice, Kovacic, and either Bernardo or Foden in the 8s with McAtee as the young apprentice.

Phillips will provide cover for Rodri at the 6 and hopefully have much greater success in doing so in year 2. Perrone as the young apprentice here.

That said I will certainly miss Gundo and wish him continued success as he's become nothing short of a club legend for us!

Just the opinion of someone who follows intently so anyone with any thoughts besides the obligatory "are you Pep, are you Txiki, did they tell you?" I'd love to hear your thoughts on our midfield set up for 23-24.
 
wolviedinho said:
Am I the only one excited for a midfield overhaul? Love the players leaving but can’t wait to see what the club has planned. We need plenty of creativity.
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I’m quite excited. This is needed imo. I love gundo. The guy is a legend. But bringing in fresh new players is so desperately needed after the mileage this season and simply for motivation purposes. Getting a handful of new mindsets will be good for pep. Can you imagine how hard it is to motivate the same lot of players year in and year out in hopes to achieve the success they’ve already conquered? And it’s not a slight to the players, just think it’s a bit of human nature.
 
WallyA said:
Sucks to see him leave, he's a legend as far as I'm concerned.

Midfield probably doesn't need anymore than just Kovacic even with Bernie leaving.

KdB, Kovacic, Phil and Alvarez can easily play the 2 midfield spots.

McAtee + Bobb as youth depth and it's completely covered.
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I don't see Alvarez there. IMO it will be KDB, Rice, Kovacic, and one of Foden or Bernardo.
 
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