Club dedicate training pitch to Ilkay Gundogan

Treble-winning captain honoured at Etihad Campus

City have honoured former captain Ilkay Gundogan by dedicating a training pitch after him at the club's Etihad Campus. A mosaic paying tribute to his title winning goal against Aston Villa in 2022 has been installed next to the pitch.

The tribute was revealed yesterday, on Gundogan's 33rd birthday. The midfielder, now at FC Barcelona, tweeted "What an honour! Thank you so much, @ManCity" in response.

Gundogan spent seven years in Manchester, captaining the club to an historic treble in his final season.

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.”