It was supposed to be just another step in Manchester City’s long march to glory. Another comfortable win. Another final. Another chance to lift a trophy. But for Ilkay Gundogan, it meant far more than that. It meant memories. It meant loyalty. It meant emotion.
As Manchester City cruised past Nottingham Forest with a commanding 2-0 victory to book their place in the FA Cup final once again, the real story of the day quietly unfolded not just on the pitch, but off it – in the heart of a man who had given everything to the blue half of Manchester.
For Gundogan, this wasn’t just another match. It was a celebration of a personal journey, a story of highs and lows, victories and struggles, friendships and battles. It was his 350th appearance in the colors of Manchester City – a milestone that few could have predicted when he first walked through the doors of the Etihad many years ago.
And it was a moment he wasn’t going to let pass quietly.
A Message from the Heart
Soon after the final whistle confirmed City’s place in yet another FA Cup final – their third in a row – Gundogan took to Instagram to share a message with the supporters, the teammates, and the club that had shaped his career.
“350 games for this amazing club! Definitely more highs than lows – and a lot of people I have to say thank you to for their support during this long journey,” he wrote, alongside a picture of him standing proudly in City blue.
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Simple words. But powerful.
Immediately, the reactions came flooding in.
Erling Haaland, despite being injured and unable to play, didn’t hesitate to like the post, showing his support for the man who had led City through so many battles. Jack Grealish, the club’s lively winger who has grown to admire Gundogan’s leadership, also clicked that heart button. Nathan Ake too showed his appreciation.
It wasn’t just a digital tap of the finger. It was a statement. Gundogan still mattered. To them, at least.
A Journey Through Time: Gundogan’s City Story
Looking back, Gundogan’s story at Manchester City has been one of transformation. He wasn’t the flashy signing that fans screamed for when he arrived. He wasn’t the poster boy of City’s oil-rich revolution. He was something different. He was quiet. Professional. Thoughtful. But deadly effective.
Over the years, he became one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants. A man for the big moments. A player who could score when it mattered, who could lift a team with a calm word or an inspiring performance.
From title-winning goals to unforgettable Champions League nights, Gundogan built a legacy.
350 appearances. 62 goals. 42 assists. Countless memories.
And yet, football has no mercy for sentiment.
A Season of Struggles and Doubts
Despite everything Gundogan had given Manchester City, this season had not been kind to him. The German midfielder had found himself under intense scrutiny from a section of the fans.
Critics whispered that age was catching up with him. That his legs weren’t moving as quickly. That the magic was fading.
Some fans even questioned Pep Guardiola’s loyalty to him, asking if City were holding on to the past at the expense of the future.
It didn’t help that Gundogan had left City the previous summer, heading for Barcelona in a move that felt like the end of an era. But like a soldier returning to the battlefield, he came back to Manchester for one more fight.
A comeback that was supposed to be glorious had instead become complicated.
City’s Premier League campaign was faltering. Their usual air of invincibility was cracking. And some pointed fingers at Gundogan.
But Pep Guardiola never abandoned his man. Through the storms and criticisms, Gundogan remained a trusted figure in the heart of City’s midfield.
And against Nottingham Forest, on the day of his 350th appearance, he showed once again why.
The Nottingham Forest Victory: A Return to City’s Ways
It took Manchester City just two minutes to show Nottingham Forest who was boss. Youngster Rico Lewis struck early, stunning the opponents and lighting up the City faithful.
Before Forest could even recover, Josko Gvardiol doubled the lead, putting the game to bed before the first half was done.
It was vintage City. Clinical. Ruthless. Inevitable.
And in the middle of it, pulling the strings, was Ilkay Gundogan.
He didn’t score. He didn’t assist. But his fingerprints were all over the game – controlling the tempo, calming nerves, setting the stage for City’s stars to shine.
At full-time, there was no wild celebration from him. Just a satisfied smile. A knowing look. This was what he lived for.
And then, came the message.
Reactions from the Squad: Brotherhood Beyond Criticism
Inside the Manchester City dressing room, Gundogan’s message was felt deeply.
Erling Haaland, who has often looked up to the older players like Gundogan for guidance, didn’t need to say much. His like on Instagram was enough. It was a sign of respect from the club’s young superstar.
Jack Grealish, known for his playful personality, has often joked about Gundogan’s seriousness. But behind the jokes, there is deep admiration. Grealish’s support was heartfelt.
Nathan Ake, who had fought side by side with Gundogan in many battles, also showed his appreciation.
This was brotherhood. This was family.
No matter what critics said, inside that dressing room, Gundogan’s legacy was not forgotten.
A Future Uncertain: Stay or Go?
Still, football is a business. And no amount of loyalty can stop the march of time.
With City already planning a major midfield overhaul in the summer – including interest in players like Morgan Gibbs-White – questions are swirling.
Will Gundogan be offered a new contract? Or will this summer mark the true end of his Manchester City journey?
There is talk that he could stay on for the Club World Cup campaign, offering his experience for one final push. But nothing is confirmed.
For now, Gundogan remains silent on his future. Focused only on helping City end the season with silverware.
But inside, he must know that the clock is ticking.
Gundogan’s Career by Numbers: A Legacy Built on Consistency
Take a look at the numbers, and Gundogan’s importance becomes clear.
- Manchester City: 350 appearances, 62 goals, 42 assists
- Barcelona: 51 appearances, 5 goals, 14 assists
- Borussia Dortmund: 157 appearances, 15 goals, 19 assists
Everywhere he’s gone, Gundogan has delivered. Maybe not in the flashiest way. Maybe not with headlines and viral moments. But with consistency, intelligence, and heart.
And at Manchester City, he found a home. A place where he grew from a talented midfielder into a club legend.
No matter what happens next, nothing can take that away from him.
The Emotional Weight of 350 Games
For Gundogan, reaching 350 games wasn’t just about the number. It was about the memories.
The goals against Aston Villa that secured the Premier League title.
The battles with Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Champions League heartbreaks and triumphs.
The teammates who came and went.
The fans who cheered and, sometimes, doubted.
It was a life lived in blue. A journey etched into the history of a club that changed forever during his time there.
And as he stood on the pitch against Nottingham Forest, he wasn’t just a player completing another game. He was a symbol of everything Manchester City had become.
The Final Push: One Last Glory?
Now, Gundogan and Manchester City stand on the brink once again.
Another FA Cup final. Another chance to add to their growing mountain of trophies.
For Gundogan, it might be the perfect way to say goodbye – if goodbye is indeed coming.
To lift the FA Cup once more. To walk off the Wembley pitch knowing he gave everything. To leave with the cheers of the City faithful ringing in his ears.
Or perhaps… one more miracle is yet to come.
Perhaps Pep Guardiola, loyal to his warriors to the very end, will offer him a new deal. Perhaps there will be a Club World Cup medal to add to his collection. Perhaps the story isn’t quite over yet.
For now, Gundogan fights on. With the love of his teammates. With the respect of those who matter most.
And with the knowledge that whatever happens, he will forever be part of Manchester City’s soul
