By Lori Ewing
MANCHESTER, England, Aug 23 (Reuters) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the decision to re-sign former captain Ilkay Gundogan was an easy one, considering the season the German international enjoyed at Barcelona.
Midfielder Gundogan, who played seven seasons for Guardiola’s men before departing for Spain, could feature in Saturday’s home Premier League match against Ipswich Town.
“(Gundogan) called me and asked me the situation, the chance to come back and we said yes immediately,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“He played really well last season and I know how competitive it is. I love his qualities and he will give us an incredible alternative.
“If he has to play (Saturday) then he knows everything. He is always in the right position and everyone is so thrilled and happy that he is back. I am sure it is the same from the fans.”
Gundogan left City for Barcelona in 2023 on a free transfer after leading Guardiola’s side to the treble, among 14 major trophies he won with the English champions including five Premier League titles.
Gundogan made 51 appearances last season, helping Barca to a second-place finish in La Liga.
He described City’s offer as the “perfect package” and Guardiola agreed. “It is a privilege for all of us (to be at the club). It is an honour,” the manager said. “The club is being ran for everyone amazingly. (The players) have everything they need to perform at the highest level possible. That is why it is a comfortable place to work.”
City will likely be without midfielder Rodri again on Saturday.
“Rodri is getting better but he has not been with the group,” Guardiola said. “Maybe he can take part in partial training today but I don’t think (he will be available on Saturday). We will see today.”
The manager said he does not think the team will make any more moves in the transfer window, including a move to bring Raheem Sterling back to City.
“He is a Chelsea player,” Guardiola said. “I feel so attached with him because of the time we had together and I feel like that with all my players. But he is a Chelsea player. If you had asked me about Gundogan previously, I would have said he was a Barcelona player.”
City kicked off their quest for a fifth successive league title with a 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend and promoted Ipswich lost 2-0 at home to Liverpool. (Reporting by Lori Ewing, editig by Ed Osmond)
