Man City dedicate a training pitch to Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan after his summer move to Barcelona… and unveil a mosaic of his 2022 title-winning goal against Aston Villa at the City Football Academy
- Ilkay Gundogan left the Etihad this summer on a free transfer to Barcelona
- City unveiled a mosaic of him at one of their training pitches in his honour
- Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says he is an important pillar in the club’s history
Manchester City have dedicated a training ground to Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan.
The central midfielder, who turned 33 on Tuesday, left the club for Barcelona this summer after seven years and becomes the latest City great to receive a lasting tribute.
Gundogan’s title-winning goal against Aston Villa, in the dramatic 3-2 win on the final day of 2022, is depicted as a mosaic next to the City Football Academy pitch.
“On behalf of everyone involved with Manchester City, it is truly my privilege and honor to unveil this mosaic, which pays tribute to every achievement you have made over the years,” said chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
‘You have been an important leader, an important pillar in the history of this club that will never be forgotten.
Manchester City have dedicated a training ground to Etihad legend Ilkay Gundogan – unveiling a mosaic of his 2022 title-winning goal against Aston Villa at the City Football Academy
Gündogan guided Man City to a stunning Treble last season before leaving for Barcelona
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described him as an important pillar in the club’s history
‘We are all so grateful, so grateful for the wonderful memories you have given us – as the first captain of Manchester City to win the Champions League, as a player who has won five Premier Leagues, so many trophies as part of his journey with the Club.
“But beyond these great achievements as a footballer, your achievements as a leader, both within the club and in the community, will never be forgotten.
‘Today I would like to thank you on behalf of everyone involved in the club and this mosaic is our gift to you to make you part of the history of this club, a place where you can come and always know that you have made an important made a mark that will never be forgotten.’
Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva have been immortalized in statues after all three served at the Etihad Stadium for ten years. Gundogan – who won 12 major trophies under Pep Guardiola – joins the likes of Yaya Toure and Joe Hart with pitches named after them at the training base.
The German came on as a substitute on the final day of the 2021-2022 season against Aston Villa and dramatically scored twice to give Manchester City the title with a 3-2 win at the Etihad
This summer, Gündogan left for Barcelona on a free transfer, who are undefeated in LaLiga so far
Sergio Aguero (left), Vincent Kompany (right) and David Silva have all been immortalized with statues outside the Etihad after each serving more than a decade at the Premier League club
