Former Manchester City stars Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez reunited last night, as they posed for a photograph after Barcelona’s Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Both players left the Etihad Stadium last summer, having played key roles for Manchester City en route to the Treble win.
Gundogan left at the end of his contract, and joined Barcelona on a free transfer, while Mahrez completed a move to Saudi club Al Ahli, who paid around £30 million for his signature.
A contract offer was supposedly made to Gundogan, but the midfield maestro did not deem it acceptable and therefore chose to move on.
Mahrez might have been kept, but City felt the offer from Al Ahli for a player of his age and remaining contract length was acceptable, and the player was ready for a new challenge. Like Gundogan, Pep Guardiola did initially want the star to stay.
The pair have both been missed by City at times this season. But they have been enjoying their new adventures so far, and last night they reunited for the first time since leaving City last summer…
Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez pose for new photograph as they finally reunite after leaving Manchester City
Last night, the other Champions League games were taking place.
On Tuesday, City played out a 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in what was a pulsating match at the Bernabeu.
Pep Guardiola will be pleased with that result, considering he was missing some key players for the clash, and feel confident of beating the Spanish giants at the Etihad Stadium.
On Wednesday, Barcelona took on Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, and there was a start for Gundogan in midfield for Barca. Joao Cancelo, who is on loan from City and wants a permanent move to the club, also played at left-back.
The German midfielder has had a fine first season so far, and he produced another great display last night, helping his club to a 3-2 win.
After the game, Gundogan posed for a photograph with Mahrez, who had been present at the stadium to watch the game.
He uploaded the photo on X, leaving the caption ‘Reunion. Good to see you again my brother! @Mahrez22’.
What a duo, Man City have missed Gundogan especially
It’s a photograph that many City fans will love, involving two players who were just magnificent players for the club down the years.
It was a shame to see both leave last summer, because they are still top players. But they both had their reasons for moving on.
City have probably missed Gundogan more out of the two. Mahrez put up some fantastic numbers for a wide player and was so often fantastic and capable of producing moments of magic.
But at times this season City have needed someone to just be a bit more direct, and have someone getting into the box from midfield to support Erling Haaland. Gundogan was very much that player, and many City fans no doubt wish he was still in the team for this very close title race.