Guardiola reveals behind the scenes of Gundogan's return to Man City

After a one-year stay at Barcelona, midfielder İlkay Gündoğan has returned to Manchester City. This came as a surprise to many, including City manager Pep Guardiola.

The latter admitted that for him Ilkay's return was a complete surprise:

‘It was a complete surprise and a surprise. It happened. We know him very well, me personally, the players, the staff and everyone else. We know the quality he played with last season at Barcelona. He played at a high level, played a lot of minutes, gave a lot of effort.

We had no doubts when this opportunity was open, so we are absolutely happy to have him back. I got a message from Chika [Begiristain, sporting director]: ‘Ilkay wants to talk to you.’ He called me, asked me about the situation and if there was a possibility of coming back if I wanted to, and we immediately said yes.’

When that happened, I said yes. I like midfield players and I like his qualities. He gives us an alternative in the way we want to play. He can adapt perfectly in two or three roles.

He doesn't need time to settle in. If he has to play tomorrow, he already knows everything. So he is comfortable for us and I know his mentality,’ Guardiola is quoted as saying by the 90min website.

Earlier about the return to Manchester City expressed Gündogan himself.