Former Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gundogan set to don number 22 in La Liga

Ilkay Gundogan (Source: Twitter)

The former Manchester City skipper, Ilkay Gundogan, got the number 22 jersey as he starts his new innings with Barcelona. After getting registered in La Liga, Gundogan received his old jersey number from the Catalan Club. Gundogan donned the No. 8 shirt at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City for over a decade.

However, after joining Barcelona, he needed to change his numerical identity due to Spanish midfielder Pedri, who dons the No. 8 jersey. The No. 22 became Gundogan's choice, a number previously sported by Brazilian winger Raphinha, who made the switch to Barca from Leeds United last year. This led to the allocation of the 22-numbered jersey to the German player.

It's worth noting that this is the same jersey he wore during his early days at FC Nürnberg, his first professional football club. On Twitter, he personally confirmed the change, sharing a tweet that stated, "My old and new jersey number was 22. Fond memories from the past ❤️ ... and now feeling confident about an upcoming successful season with @FCBarcelona. Let's kick this off... Força Barça! 💙❤️"

Ilkay Gundogan fails to impress on his La Liga debut

After his contract with City expired at the end of June this year, Gundogan became a free agent and signed a two-year deal with Barcelona. The deal includes an option to extend for another year. The Catalan giants secured his services without incurring a transfer fee. Notably, his contract with Barcelona incorporates a buyout clause of 400 million euros.

Meanwhile, Gundogan took to the field for his La Liga debut with Barcelona on Sunday, during which the defending champions faced Getafe and ended up in a goalless draw. Although he initiated the game with a potential stunner, it was ruled offside. Despite his efforts to break the deadlock, he couldn't achieve success. Looking ahead, he aims to have a more substantial impact in his upcoming match as Barcelona hosts Cadiz on August 20.