OFFICIAL: Manchester City sign Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund

The first and best signing of the Pep Guardiola Era is a reality.

Manchester City announced on Thursday the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who will join the Citizens on a four-year contract. The fee is undisclosed, but multiple reports claim that City have paid £21 million to secure the signing of the German international.

"I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City. When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly.

"I have loved my time with Borussia Dortmund and I would like to thank the club and the supporters for the five very happy years I spent there.

"They gave me a platform to play on and I became a better player because of the belief, patience and trust they showed in me.

"Now I have a new challenge and that is to achieve great things with City. The opportunity to work with a coach like Pep Guardiola is something I am really looking forward to and I am flattered to be the first signing the Club has made this summer.

"I can promise the City fans I will give everything to help us win titles both in England and the Champions League. These are exciting times.

"I have my best years ahead of me and I think we can achieve great things together. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter in my career."

Source: MCFC

Gundogan was the most important signing for Pep Guardiola's new team. He has all the qualities the Catalan manger looks for in a midfielder, and the 25-year-old will be the man to run the show, pass the ball and make plays in Guardiola's style. Gundogan is currently recovering from a knee injury, but he should be healthy for the start of the season if everything goes according to plan.

Welcome, Ilkay!