Ilkay Gundogan acknowledged that returning to Manchester City was mostly motivated by the desire to be with Pep Guardiola again.
After seven years at the Etihad, Gundogan signed for Barcelona last season after leaving City on a free transfer.
The German midfielder was warned he may depart to assist the club raise money and acquire new player Dani Olmo, despite having a great debut season in Spain.
The 33-year-old was Pep Guardiola‘s first City acquisition in 2016 and stated that one of the main reasons he decided to return to the Premier League on a one-year contract was because he wanted to work with the Spaniard once more.
‘Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player,’ Gundogan said.
‘You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again.
‘My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.
‘I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success. It was an exceptional period in my life.
‘To have the opportunity to return here means so much.’
Having worn the number eight shirt throughout his first spell at the club, Gundogan will now wear the number 19, with Kovacic occupying the eight shirt.
The German midfielder wore number 22 whilst at Barcelona but is hoping a new number can help him get back to winning ways.
‘Obviously number 21 and 22 were free as well and I was last year 22 in Barcelona and I was 21 in the German national team, but I didn’t win any trophies with these number,’ Gundogan revealed when explaining his decision to switch numbers.
‘So, I thought OK and number 19 is between 18 and 20 between my two friends Bernardo Silva and Stefan Ortega.
‘So that might be a sign, you know, and I just went for it. So let’s see.’