Treble-winning Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has confirmed his departure from the club.

Gundogan, who joined City in 2016 played 188 times for the club and scored 44 goals. He leaves Manchester City for Barcelona on a free transfer.

Announcing his departure from the club the 67-cap German international said: “For me, it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years.

“Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City.

“I have been lucky to have experienced hundreds of unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career,” he said.

Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, paid tribute to the departing captain. “Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic Treble.

“He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the Club – both on and off the field – has been an inspiration to everyone.

“Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City, and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.

“He leaves us knowing that he will always be welcomed at this football club,” he said.