Man City dedicate a training pitch to former captain Gundogan after his transfer

Manchester City have dedicated a training pitch to Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan.

The central midfielder, who turned 33 on Tuesday, left the club for Barcelona after seven years over the summer and becomes the latest City great to be bestowed a lasting tribute.

Gundogan’s title-winning goal against Aston Villa, in the dramatic 3-2 final day victory in 2022, has been depicted as a mosaic beside the pitch at the City Football Academy.

‘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 over the years,’ chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said.

‘You have been an important leader, an important pillar 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, a place that you can come and always know that you have left an important stamp that will be never forgotten.’

Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva have been immortalised with statues after all three served a decade at the Etihad Stadium. Gundogan – who won 12 major trophies under Pep Guardiola - joins the likes of Yaya Toure and Joe Hart with pitches named after them at the training base.