Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his delight in re-signing former captain Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona on a one-year deal with an option for another year. Guardiola described Gundogan’s return as a surprise but emphasized the midfielder's commitment to contributing to the team rather than just reminiscing about past successes. Having captained City to a Treble before joining Barcelona, Gundogan is expected to bring his competitive spirit back to the squad, with Guardiola noting that he has not come back to retire. The City boss also mentioned that Gundogan's high level of play at Barcelona last season solidified the decision to welcome him back. While some critics view the signing as a gamble due to Gundogan's age, Guardiola remains optimistic about his potential impact this season. Gundogan may feature in the upcoming match against Ipswich, pending international clearance.