Gundogan Marks His Surprising Homecoming to Manchester City

Gundogan's Journey: From Barcelona Back to Man City

Gundogan's recent return to Manchester City from Barcelona has come as a surprise to many. Just over a year ago, the former Blues skipper left at the expiry of his contract to pursue new opportunities in Spain.

However, the financial struggles of the Blaugrana could not sustain his lofty salary. Pep Guardiola was ready to welcome his former captain back to the Etihad, raising questions about his potential success this second time around.

Recent Achievements and Challenges

When Gundogan departed City, the team had just clinched a memorable treble. They managed to fend off Arsenal’s challenge to win the Premier League and triumphed in both the FA Cup against Manchester United and the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan.

As one of the Premier League's legends returning home, Gundogan joins a rich tradition. Celebrated figures like Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo have also made intriguing returns to their former clubs after illustrious stints abroad.

• Gareth Bale returned to Tottenham after a successful period at Real Madrid.
• Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United sparked huge excitement but ended in controversy.

In this environment, Gundogan hopes to reclaim the lost titles and solidify his legacy even further.

Homecomings in Premier League History

Club legends returning to their former homes is a recurring theme. Gundogan’s story intertwines with the history of other icons who ventured back, facing unique challenges along the way.