Ilkay Gundogan completes £21m move to Manchester City

Manchester City have finalised a £21million deal to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a four-year deal.

Gundogan becomes Manchester City’s first signing of the Pep Guardiola era.

The 25-year-old central midfielder leaves Dortmund after making 157 appearances for the club.

Gundogan, speaking to Manchester City’s official website, said of his move to the Premier League: ‘I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City.

‘When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly.

‘I have loved my time with Borussia Dortmund and I would like to thank the club and the supporters for the five very happy years I spent there.

‘They gave me a platform to play on and I became a better player because of the belief, patience and trust they showed in me.

‘Now I have a new challenge and that is to achieve great things with City. The opportunity to work with a coach like Pep Guardiola is something I am really looking forward to and I am flattered to be the first signing the club has made this summer.

‘I can promise the City fans I will give everything to help us win titles both in England and the Champions League. These are exciting times.

‘I have my best years ahead of me and I think we can achieve great things together. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter in my career.’

He also posted an open letter to Dortmund fans. He wrote: ‘Hi guys, after five successful years my time in Dortmund is over. We celebrated many victories and stood in moments of defeats. Special thanks to my BVB coaches Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel. I had a great time for them and advanced to a player of the German national team.

‘I’m very thankful to all the employees of the club, my team-mates and to the fans who always supported me.

‘The reason for my transfer is the great opportunity to join Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. Guardiola asked me to go to Manchester and convinced me with his philosophy. I believe this is the right step for me at the moment. Under his lead I want keep on improving my skill as a football player.

‘I’m happy that despite my injury I could keep my promise not to leave Dortmund on a free transfer.

‘Good luck to BVB for the future! I will give my best to get fit again as soon as possible. Illy.’

Gundogan, who has previously been linked with Manchester United and Barcelona, has been capped 16 times by his country.

The midfielder has been left out of Germany’s Euro 2016 squad as he is currently out injured with a dislocated kneecap.

In August 2013, Gundogan sustained a back injury on international duty with Germany and did not play again until October 2014, missing his side’s World Cup triumph in Brazil.

His agent and uncle Ilhan Gundogan was pictured with City sporting director Txiki Begiristain in the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam in March.

Gundogan progressed through the ranks in Schalke’s academy before moving to SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06.

After spending a year at SVV Buer, Gundogan joined Bochum before moving on to Nurnberg.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp then enticed the midfielder to the Westfalenstadion, where he became an integral member of Dortmund’s squad.

Gundogan leaves the club having won the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup.