Ilkay Gündoğan has officially closed the chapter on his English Premier League journey and embarked on a new adventure in Turkish football — a country that holds a special place in his heart.
Once caught in controversy for calling Recep Tayyip Erdoğan “my president,” Gündoğan is now headed to Erdoğan’s homeland, where his roots also run deep. After years of glory at Manchester City, the 34-year-old midfielder has signed with Turkish giants Galatasaray, carrying the memories of his City days close to his heart.
The decision on Gündoğan’s future came amid late drama in the European transfer window. While his international clearance is still pending, it’s merely a formality. His deal with Galatasaray spans two years, earning him an annual salary of €4.5 million per season.
Born and raised in Germany, Gündoğan proudly represented the German national team for 13 years. However, his family’s story begins in Turkey. His grandfather once moved from Turkey to Germany as a coal miner, while his grandmother stayed back with their children before eventually joining him — a journey that shaped Gündoğan’s dual identity.
Back in 2018, Gündoğan faced intense criticism in Germany when he, alongside Mesut Özil, met Erdoğan in London and referred to him as “my president.” The incident sparked a nationwide debate but never overshadowed his footballing brilliance.
After progressing through youth academies and various German clubs, Gündoğan’s career took off during a five-year stint with Borussia Dortmund. There, he won the Bundesliga, domestic cups, and reached a Champions League final. He later played for Barcelona, but his defining years came at Manchester City.
Gündoğan was Pep Guardiola’s very first signing at City in 2016, and over the years, he became one of the manager’s most trusted lieutenants and a vital part of the squad. Across two spells, he played 358 matches, scored 65 goals, and lifted 14 trophies — including City’s historic first Champions League title and the dream treble in the 2022-23 season, all while wearing the captain’s armband.
Now, as he begins a new chapter in Turkey, Gündoğan leaves City with a heart full of emotions.
“I have no doubt that Manchester City will achieve even more success in the future, and I’ll be watching and celebrating from afar while I continue my career in Turkey — a country that means so much to me,” he said.
“Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart. Winning the Premier League and FA Cup was huge, but lifting the club’s first Champions League trophy — in Istanbul, no less — is a memory I will cherish forever.”
