English Premier League giants Manchester City have announced their first signing of the summer -- Ilkay Gundogan -- on Thursday. Rated to be one of the best midfielders in Europe, when fit, the Germany international signed a four-year contract with the Citizens. The transfer fee, however, has not been disclosed.
New manager Pep Guardiola was expected to make a huge statement of sorts after taking over at Manchester City, and that is exactly what has happened. Gundogan, 25, has been an integral part of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund over the years.
Gundogan missed out on the FIFA World Cup 2014 due to injury and will also miss the Euro 2016 for Die Mannschaft, as he has been ruled out owing to a knee problem. The midfielder, however, had been sensational for Dortmund, with whom he has won one Bundesliga title and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2012-13, over a five-year stay.
"It feels amazing to be a Manchester City player," Gundogan was quoted as saying by Sky Sports on Thursday. "It is a new chapter in my life so I am very happy that it's sorted. I'm looking forward to a new challenge and I'm very happy.
"I have to thank Pep Guardiola who I spoke to a lot about this move and also Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain who I had intense conversations with. From the first moment I was sure it was the right thing for me.
"To play in the Premier League and to play for one of the best teams in the Premier League is a big challenge. I am very happy to join the Manchester City family."
