Soccer

Ilkay Gundogan becomes Guardiola’s first signing at City

German midfielder joins Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund on four-year deal

Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has signed for Manchester City, the club have announced. Photo: Adam Davy/PA Wire
Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has signed for Manchester City, the club have announced. Photo: Adam Davy/PA Wire
Thu Jun 02 2016 - 09:27

Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year contract.

The Germany international, who is ruled out of Euro 2016 due to a knee injury, becomes new City boss Pep Guardiola’s first signing since taking over from Manuel Pellegrini.

The 25-year-old confirmed the news in a video posted on City’s official Twitter feed.

He said: “Hello City fans. You have been tweeting me for a long time and now I officially announce that I am a Manchester City player. Hope to see you soon.”

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Gundogan, who made 157 appearances for Bundesliga giants Dortmund over a five-year spell, added on mcfc.co.uk: “I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City.

“When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly.

“I have loved my time with Borussia Dortmund and I would like to thank the club and the supporters for the five very happy years I spent there.

“They gave me a platform to play on and I became a better player because of the belief, patience and trust they showed in me.

“Now I have a new challenge and that is to achieve great things with City. The opportunity to work with a coach like Pep Guardiola is something I am really looking forward to and I am flattered to be the first signing the club has made this summer.

“I can promise the City fans I will give everything to help us win titles both in England and the Champions League. These are exciting times.

“I have my best years ahead of me and I think we can achieve great things together. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter in my career.”

Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay is an excellent addition to our team and we are delighted to have him on board.

“He is an intelligent and versatile midfielder who can operate in a number of different roles. I think our supporters will enjoy his work ethic and technical ability and I believe he will be a very important player for us in the coming years.”

Gundogan has won 16 caps for Germany, scoring four goals.