Manchester City's treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan will join Barcelona after the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

The 32-year-old was offered a new deal by the club but has chosen to end his seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium after 304 appearances, signing off in style by lifting the Champions League earlier this month after victory over Inter Milan.

Gundogan, who was manager Pep Guardiola's first signing in July 2016, is set to sign a two-year contract with Barcelona, who have set his buyout clause at €400million.

"I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career," said the former Germany international.

"First, I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget.

"I would also like to thank all my team-mates - past and present - who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing.

"Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support.

"This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity."

Luka Modric is sticking with Real Madrid


Luka Modric has extended his contract with Real Madrid for another year.

The LaLiga club announced on Monday that Croatia playmaker Modric, 37, would remain with the Spanish giants until at least the end of June 2024.

Modric - who joined Real from Tottenham in 2012 and has gone on to win the Champions League five times as well as three LaLiga titles - would have been out of contract this summer and so could have left on a free transfer.

A statement from Real Madrid read: "Real Madrid and Luka Modric have agreed to extend the player's contract, which remains linked to the club until June 30 2024."

Modric - who helped Croatia reach the 2018 World Cup final and won the Ballon d'Or that year - had been linked with following former team-mate Karim Benzema in making a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.