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Man City dedicate training pitch to Gundogan
theathletic.comManchester City have dedicated a training pitch to former captain Ilkay Gundogan as a tribute to his services for the club. Gundogan, who turns 33 today, was the first City captain to lift the Champions League trophy. He also won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups during a seven-year spell at the Etihad. A mosaic commemorating Gundogan's winning goal in the 2021-22 Premier League title decider against Aston Villa will also be displayed near the training pitch.Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “On behalf of his highness Sheikh Mansour, 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 as part of this Manchester City family over the years. “You have been an important leader, an important pillar of a part of history – 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, of this institution, a place that you can come and always know that you have left an important stamp that will be never forgotten.”
Weird to do this to a player who is still active in Europe and you can still play against.
Why?
Because its embarrassing
There a lot of things that can happen that could make him not be loved by the fans any more. He could score in a final and make them lose a trophy, he could injure your best player I don’t know
I don’t think any of that would change what he did for City or how he is viewed by the club. I actually like that they honor their legends right after the leave the club instead of doing it 10 years later.
Not sure if it was Robben or Ibra, but their first club destroyed the statue they had of him, because he bought a stake at the rival club
Ibra
Also it’s not that deep, if Gundogan did something to piss off City then they would just remove the dedication. He won’t, but it’s not a big deal if it did come to that.
Perfect way to describe it is not that deep - if you’ve got strong feelings about this you need help
He could go play in a country that preaches hate and murders journalists and masterminds/funds terrorist attacks in order to get paid to say they’re not sportswashing while saying he didn’t do it for the money…
Happens when you have no history…
It’s just a training ground, not really that weird if you ask me
It’s a flex … City is 100% confident should they face Barça they would trash them
It’s a training pitch, it’s not too big a deal. City built Aguero and Silva statues while they were acting players, now THAT was weird.
Bold of you to assume we make it out of round 16