Ilkay Gundogan's Man City return hailed as 'masterstroke' that shows Pep Guardiola bond

Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City underlines his special relationship with Pep Guardiola – according to Emmanuel Petit.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Petit hailed the decision to bring Gundogan back to City – after a year in Barcelona – as a masterstroke.

“Guardiola knows exactly how he wants to play and he knows exactly what he will get from Gundogan,” said Petit. "He loves Gundogan as a player, they’ve had so much success together. For me, it’s a deal that makes sense for everyone. He will walk into Manchester City and, for his team-mates, it will be like he’s been on a year-long holiday in Barcelona.

“It must have been a very easy decision for Gundogan to make. He’ll be a key player for City this season, especially when the club needs to rotate. It’s a great signing from Guardiola and an interesting one because I can’t think of many occasions where Pep has brought a player back to the club that he has worked with before.

READ MORE: Man City's behind-the-scenes message to players over 115 charges as hearing begins

READ MORE: Man City could be deducted points 'across multiple seasons' as 115 charges case begins

“That tells you everything about the relationship between both of them. I’m not surprised that Gundogan wanted to leave Barcelona after a season. The club are in such a big mess, on and off the pitch. Financially, this deal sums up the trouble at the club.

“They have players on huge salaries that they can’t afford to register, and they're paying for the mistakes they have made in the transfer market over the last six years. The club has made so many mistakes.”

Petit, who won the World Cup in 1998 and the Euros two years later with France, reckons Gundogan's team-mate Rodri would be a worthy winner of the Ballon d'Or.

Rodri, recognised as the best holding midfielder in the world, only lost one game all last season – the FA Cup final – as he helped lead City to a record fourth straight title and Spain to glory at Euro 2024.

“I love Rodri,” said Petit. “I think he's such a fantastic midfielder who has had an unbelievable year. In fact, if you look at the medals he’s won since he joined Manchester City, he could be the most decorated footballer in the world.

“Would the Ballon d’Or be the individual reward to mark his achievements? It would, but he will have a bit of competition on his hands from Vinicius Jr. For me, those are the two players that are leading the charge. One of them will win it this year.”

Petit also tipped Erling Haaland – who has 99 goals from 103 games for City – as a future Ballon d'Or winner, as long as he keeps scoring for the Blues.

READ MORE: Erling Haaland tipped to smash Premier League records after stunning start to season

READ MORE: Man City's glittering success is on the line as hearing into 115 charges begins

“Haaland knows that the only way he can win the Ballon d’Or is to keep scoring goals for his club, because there's no way he's going to win anything with Norway,” said Petit.

“If he wants to be the best player in the world, he must keep scoring goals. I’m looking at him this season, and I can see a player that looks super hungry. That’s a scary thought for Manchester City’s rivals and every single defender in the Premier League.

“He had a summer off and that has definitely helped him. He looks fresh; focussed. Physically, he looks like he is in peak condition.”

• The full interview with Emmanuel Petit can be found here.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.