'Might be a sign' - Ilkay Gundogan explains why he chose No.19 shirt after returning to Manchester City from Barcelona

Just a year after leaving Manchester City for Barcelona, Gundogan has returned to the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer and has signed a one-year contract with the club. The German international has chosen to wear the number 19, which was previously worn at City by Leroy Sane.

Gundogan wore the number eight shirt for seven years during his first stint at Manchester City. However, with Mateo Kovacic now donning that specific kit number, the 33-year-old has now explained why he chose number 19. He did so despite the numbers 21 and 22 being available for selection, numbers that he wore for Germany and Barcelona, respectively.

Speaking to the club media, Gundogan said: "There was a little bit of thinking behind it. Numbers 21 and 22 were free as well – I was 22 last year at Barcelona and 21 in the German National Team but I didn’t win any trophies with these numbers, so I thought number 19 was between 18 and 20 – my two friends Bernardo Silva and Stefan Ortega so that might be a sign.

"I just went for it – let's see. It’s hopefully not the number that will have a big influence, it’s hopefully the way I am playing and behaving and the way we will be as a team. I can assure you will try our best to win more.”

The 33-year-old was a part of Barcelona's pre-season preparation and is fully ready to directly start match preparations with Manchester City and could well be a part of Guardiola's squad for City's clash against Ipswich Town on Saturday, August 24.