A New Chapter Begins: Gündoğan Writes An Open Letter To Fans After Leaving Manchester City for Galatasaray
On September 2, 2025, veteran midfielder İlkay Gündoğan completed a free transfer from Manchester City to Galatasaray, signing a two-year contract with options to extend through summer 2027 . The move marks the end of his second spell at the Etihad, and the beginning of a homecoming, given his Turkish heritage .
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“Dear Man City Fans” — A Letter of Gratitude
Though not published in the Manchester Evening News, Gündoğan’s exit was accompanied by a deeply personal message directed at City supporters. In his statement, he wrote:
> “Manchester City will always hold a special place in my heart. To win the Premier League and FA Cup meant so much to me, but to then be afforded the opportunity of lifting the Champions League trophy for this club for the first time, especially in Istanbul, will live with me forever.”
This appeal is a genuine, emotional address—akin to an open letter—letting fans know how meaningful his time at City was: the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League successes resonated more than mere on-pitch achievements.
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The Emotional Weight Behind the Words
A Storied Career at City
Gündoğan amassed 358 appearances for Manchester City across his spells, bagging 65 goals and helping secure 14 major trophies—including the historic treble in 2023, when he captained the side .
His final season (2024–25) saw him contribute with 5 goals and 8 assists in 54 games across all competitions . As one of Pep Guardiola’s earliest and most trusted signings in 2016, his departure serves as an emotional pivot in City’s modern era .
Istanbul’s Significance
Perhaps the most poignant memory he references is the Champions League final win in Istanbul—a city that holds personal significance for Gündoğan due to his Turkish heritage . Captaining City to that trophy in his ancestral land offers a perfect, emotional bookend to his journey with the club.
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Why This “Letter” Matters
A Player-Fan Bond
Through his farewell, Gündoğan strengthens a bond with supporters—one based not just on trophies, but on shared memories and heartfelt appreciation. It’s more than career stats; it’s an emotional farewell from a beloved captain.
Timing and Context
This comes amid a surge of summer change—three key Treble winners (Gündoğan, Ederson, and Akanji) left City on the same day . His aggregated message, thus, signals a symbolic “end of an era” at City.
Sense of Homecoming
Referring to Turkey as “a country that means ever such a lot to me” conveys this move as deeply personal—not just professional. Fans see this as a natural, heartfelt final destination .
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Career Retrospective: From Dortmund to Istanbul
Stage Key Highlights
Borussia Dortmund (2011–16) Developed into a standout midfielder; won Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in debut season; scored in 2013 Champions League final loss
Manchester City (2016–23) Consistent performer; 14 trophies, including the 2023 treble as captain
Barcelona (2023–24) Brief stint in Spain following City success
Man City Return (2024–25) Returned and contributed across 54 games; solid finale to his City career
Galatasaray (2025–27) Signed as a free agent; contract until 2027; aligned with his cultural roots and childhood dream
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Final Thoughts
İlkay Gündoğan’s message to City fans is more than a farewell—it’s a testament to loyalty, respect, and shared triumphs. In just a few lines, he encapsulated a legacy of success, emotional resonance, and mutual appreciation. As he embarks on a new chapter in Istanbul—one of personal significance—the letter stands as both a gracious goodbye and a celebration of what was the most defining chapter of his professional life.
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