WELCOME HOME Gundogan on why he never sold his flat in Manchester

WHEN he left City last year, something told Ilkay Gundogan not to part with his city-centre apartment just yet.

- JOE BRAY

A neighbour of Pep Guardiola, Gundogan had left City in frustrating circumstances the club took too long to offer the contract he wanted and the chance to join Barcelona (and a two-year deal) was the better option. A perfect place to end his career at the club he's always supported.

Things didn't work out as planned, however. Last week, Gundogan became the latest victim of Barcelona's financial troubles and is now back for the second chapter of his City story.

"It was just such an intense year," explained Gundogan when asked about his decision to keep his Manchester apartment over the last 12 months.

"I struggled with finding an apartment over there, I didn't really have much time energy to spend on trying to rent or sell it.

"So I just thought, okay, keep it for now, Manchester is also growing, it is not a bad place to be. So I just thought keep it and don't know what the future will bring. It looks like it was meant to be."