Manchester City today marked Ilkay Gundogan’s 33rd birthday by dedicating a training pitch to their former captain.
Gundogan skippered City to their first Champions League crown in June, the culmination of a seven-year spell at the club that also saw him win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four EFL Cups.
The German left for Barcelona in the summer but is still held in high regard at City and a mosaic with Gundogan’s name now adorns one of the pitches at the club’s Etihad Campus.
Our Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has paid tribute to @IlkayGuendogan on his 33rd birthday by unveiling a dedicated training pitch at the CFA in Ilkay’s honour! 🙌
Thank you for everything and wishing you a Happy Birthday, Ilkay 🩵 pic.twitter.com/RNOs7CEK0P
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 24, 2023
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mansour, on behalf of everyone associated with Manchester City, it is really my privilege and honour to unveil this mosaic that is a tribute to every accomplishment you’ve made as part of this Manchester City family over the years.
“You have been an important leader, an important pillar of a part of history – of the history of this club that will never be forgotten.
“We are all so grateful, so thankful for the great memories you gave us – as the first Manchester City captain to lift the Champions League, as a player that’s lifted five Premier Leagues, so many trophies as part of his journey with the club.
“But beyond these great accomplishments as a football player, your accomplishments as a leader, both in the club and in the community is never going to be forgotten.
“Today I want to thank you on behalf of everyone associated with the club and this mosaic is our gift to you to keep you part of the history of this club, of this institution, a place that you can come and always know that you have left an important stamp that will be never forgotten.”
