Manchester City FC have announced the signing of Germany international Ilkay Gündogan from Borussia Dortmund. The 25 year old midfielder has signed a four-year deal at the Premiership side.

“I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City,” said Gündogan in a statement released by 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.”

City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: “Ilkay is an excellent addition to our team and we are delighted to have him on board.”

“He is an intelligent and versatile midfielder who can operate in a number of different roles. I think our supporters will enjoy his work ethic and technical ability and I believe he will be a very important player for us in the coming years.”

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s Sporting Director Michael Zorc thanked the Germany star for his contribution for the club. “We would like to thank Ilkay Gündogan for five extraordinary years in Dortmund. BVB would like to wish him a speedy recovery and all the best for his future endeavours in Manchester,” Zorc was quoted in a statement by the club.

Gündogan told it was important “to say a big thank-you my team-mates, the management, the coaching staff and all BVB employees for a wonderful, exciting and successful time which I will never forget. Following lengthy considerations, I have made the decision to leave this wonderful club and to pursue a new sporting challenge in another country. I will always feel closely connected to BVB and the many friends that I have in Dortmund.”

Gündogan will be missing the UEFA EURO 2016 due to a knee injury.

(Photo courtesy: Screenshot Manchester City FC TV Video)