Ilkay Gundogan says he cannot wait to wear the Manchester City shirt again after sealing a sensational return to the club.

The German joined Barcelona last year after his contract expired, but has now signed a one-year deal with an option of a further 12 months at the Etihad.

“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” said Gundogan who captained City to a historic Treble before leaving for the Catalan club.

“I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.

“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player. You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.

“And what can I say about my team-mates here at City, they are world-class footballers. I am delighted to have the chance to train and play alongside them. I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”

Gundogan returns to City on a free having mutually agreed with Barcelona to rip up his contract, which had two years left to run, with the club needing to make cuts to register new signing Dani Olmo.

Allowing him to leave in such circumstances highlights the mess at Barcelona, given the German was one of their key players and appeared 36 times in the last campaign.

Gundogan’s return to City will be popular with the players and the fans. He made 188 appearances for the club, winning the Premier League title five times, along with the Champions League and two FA Cups.

He announced his retirement from international football earlier this week, having captained Germany at the European Championship, and had other options in the Premier League and Saudi Arabia but wanted to return to City.

Gundogan is City’s second signing of this transfer window after their £30 million purchase of winger Savinho from Spanish club Girona, which is also part of the City Football Group.

Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: “Ilkay is one of the finest professionals I have ever worked with. His dedication to football and his approach to every training session is something special.

“He is also an exceptional midfielder. His reading of the game, his football intelligence, his technical quality and his leadership make him an excellent addition to our squad.

“To be able to bring him back here is fantastic news. He will help us in our main objective, which is to win trophies, but he will also be an inspiration to so many.”

City are interested in signing another forward, having sold Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for up to £81.5 million and are weighing up their options before the transfer window closes next week.