Ilkay Gundogan has returned to Manchester City after just one season at Barcelona. Although everything is the same at City, one thing has changed: Gundogan’s shirt number has already been taken by Mateo Kovacic, so Gundogan has chosen to wear the number 19 shirt, which he reveals is a ‘secret’.

“It’s already been thought through. Of course, the number 21 and 22 are also available, but I wore number 22 at Barcelona last year. I wore number 21 with Germany, and I didn’t win anything with those numbers. So I think 19 is better because it’s between 18 and 20, which are the numbers of two of my friends, Bernardo Silva and Stefan Ortega.”

“I’ve made my decision. We’ll see. I hope the jersey number doesn’t affect me too much. I hope it’s more about the way I play and the way I do it, and the team’s unity. And I promise we’ll give it our all to win more trophies.”

The return of Gundogan has been a source of great joy for Man City fans, as the German has helped the team win numerous trophies during his seven years at the Etihad Stadium and has consistently played a key role in the midfield.