Manchester City players past and present have sent emotional messages to Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder's move to Barcelona was confirmed on Monday.
11.06.2023 - 11:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Jack Grealish had got the celebrations started in the dressing room at the Ataturk Stadium, and Kyle Walker had promised to demolish any drink put in front of him - with a pre-emptive apology to England boss Gareth Southgate.
After celebrating with the Champions League trophy on the pitch in Istanbul with fans, staff and family, City players got the party started well before leaving the stadium for the team hotel.
There, they were greeted by a DJ and the players partied through the night - just as the fans did in the centre of Istanbul.
After finally becoming champions of Europe to complete an incredible treble, City players made sure to make the most of their success. They will return to England on Sunday, and take to the streets of Manchester for a parade on Monday.
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When media duties had finished on Saturday night - or Sunday morning by the time the full-time whistle had blown in Istanbul - the players retreated to the dressing room, with social media videos showing Grealish encouraging teammates to a round of 'Freed from Desire'.
In recent weeks, fans and players have been singing 'Gundo's on fire' in recognition of Ilkay Gundogan's incredible form. This time, Grealish made sure it was 'Rodri's on fire' after his Spanish teammate scored the most important goal by a City player since Sergio Aguero in 2012.
Grealish then joined in with the 'We'll Follow You Everywhere' chant, knowing all the words, and even purposely missing a few that could suggest he was up to no good. And it wouldn't be a City trophy celebration without kitman Brandon Ashton doing a half-naked slide across the dressing room floor.
This time, finally, the Champions
Manchester City players past and present have sent emotional messages to Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder's move to Barcelona was confirmed on Monday.
Manchester City have paid tribute to Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder announced his move to Barcelona on a free transfer, saying he leaves with his place in club history secured.
Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer to join Barcelona.
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