Ilkay Gundogan thanked Stefan Ortega Moreno on Instagram that he helped make his last season at Manchester City’special’.

The midfielder will officially leave the club to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

Gundogan leaves the Etihad as a legend, having been at the heart of the club’s success for the past seven years.

The ace might have stayed on.

However, City’s proposals were not suitable for him, and Barcelona has always been somewhat of a dream transfer for him.

The ace will now face a new task, and every City supporter will wish him well.

Many of his City teammates have previously done this.

Ilkay Gundogan responds to Stefan Ortega’s heartfelt Instagram message. Ortega’s tribute to Gundogan may be the best ever.

He wrote on Instagram about his fellow German: “Ilkay – I don’t even know where to begin with… Thank you for the last year together! It was a privilege to have you as our captain and leader in this historic season!

“Even with our success on the field, I especially want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me off the pitch! You definitely will be missed, particularly in our German coffee corner.”“I am extremely honoured to call you as one of my best friends and I wish you all the best at your new adventure – even though you have now left me on my own for @scottcarson33’s German lessons.”

Photo by Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

Gundogan then commented on Ortega’s post, saying: “I love you my friend. You made this season even more special for me and I will be always grateful for that! See you soon my friend!”

Ortega must be gutted about Gundogan’s exit at Man City

This interaction clearly demonstrates Ortega and Gundogan’s strong relationship.

This was possibly to be expected given that they are both from Germany.

Photo: Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
The £55,000-per-week star will be especially disappointed that Gundogan has now departed the club. But, of course, he’ll be happy for his friend because he’s making a dream move. 

Given how much Gundogan liked his time at City, it is not surprising that he returned to the club on a regular basis.