As Ilkay Gundogan bids farewell to Manchester City and prepares to embark on a new chapter with Barcelona, we reflect on his most remarkable moments during his illustrious career at the Etihad Stadium.

During his time at Manchester City, Gundogan secured an impressive collection of 12 major honors, highlighting his importance in the team’s achievements.

Often hailed as City’s hero in crucial matches, Gundogan’s performances have drawn comparisons to the sublime elegance of Zinedine Zidane in the latter stages of his career.

As we bid farewell to Gundogan and eagerly anticipate his new journey at Barcelona, let us relive 10 of his most memorable moments at Manchester City.

Gundogan opens the scoring:
Gundogan marked his presence early on with an impressive debut goal for Manchester City. In September 2016, he found the back of the net against AFC Bournemouth, kickstarting his fruitful spell at the club.

Double against Barcelona:
One of Gundogan’s standout performances came against mighty Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. In November 2016, he displayed his clinical finishing ability, scoring twice to help City secure a memorable 3-1 victory over the Catalan giants.

Return from injury:
Gundogan’s resilience shone through as he made a successful comeback from a long-term knee injury. After enduring a significant setback, he returned to the pitch in September 2017, showcasing his determination and mental strength.

Passing record:
Gundogan’s exceptional passing ability has often mesmerized fans and pundits alike. He set a new Premier League record in December 2018 by completing an astounding 167 passes in a single match against Chelsea, solidifying his status as a midfield maestro.

Making history at Anfield:
In January 2019, Gundogan played a vital role in Manchester City’s historic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. His precise assist led to Sergio Aguero’s winning goal, ending Liverpool’s unbeaten streak in the Premier League that season.

Scoring twice at Anfield:
Continuing his heroics at Anfield, Gundogan showcased his goal-scoring prowess in February 2021. In a thrilling 4-1 triumph over Liverpool, he netted two goals, contributing significantly to City’s dominant display.

Tactical transformation under Pep Guardiola:
Gundogan’s adaptability and intelligence became evident as he played a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola’s tactical evolution. His positional versatility and understanding of Guardiola’s system proved instrumental in Manchester City’s title-winning campaigns, propelling them to Premier League glory.

Consistent excellence:
Throughout his time at Manchester City, Gundogan consistently displayed brilliance and impressed with his performances. Whether controlling the midfield, dictating play, or contributing goals, he consistently elevated the team’s level with his class and composure.

Double against Manchester United in the FA Cup final:
In the 2020-2021 FA Cup semifinals, Gundogan showcased his big-game mentality by scoring twice against cross-town rivals Manchester United. His goals helped City secure a 2-0 victory and a place in the final.

Leadership qualities:
Gundogan displayed exceptional leadership qualities during his tenure at Manchester City. Whether wearing the captain’s armband or providing guidance on the field, he proved to be an influential figure both on and off the pitch.

Ilkay Gundogan’s departure from Manchester City marks the end of an era, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His 10 memorable moments, including pivotal goals, remarkable comebacks, record-breaking performances, and leadership qualities, will forever be etched in the club’s history.