1
Man City dedicate training pitch to Gundogan
theathletic.comManchester City have dedicated a training pitch to former captain Ilkay Gundogan as a tribute to his services for the club. Gundogan, who turns 33 today, was the first City captain to lift the Champions League trophy. He also won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups during a seven-year spell at the Etihad. A mosaic commemorating Gundogan's winning goal in the 2021-22 Premier League title decider against Aston Villa will also be displayed near the training pitch.Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “On behalf of his highness Sheikh Mansour, on behalf of everyone associated with Manchester City, it is really my privilege and honour to unveil this mosaic that is a tribute to every accomplishment you’ve made as part of this Manchester City family over the years. “You have been an important leader, an important pillar of a part of history – of the history of this club that will never be forgotten. “We are all so grateful, so thankful for the great memories you gave us – as the first Manchester City captain to lift the Champions League, as a player that’s lifted five Premier Leagues, so many trophies as part of his journey with the club. “But beyond these great accomplishments as a football player, your accomplishments as a leader, both in the club and in the community is never going to be forgotten. “Today I want to thank you on behalf of everyone associated with the club and this mosaic is our gift to you to keep you part of the history of this club, of this institution, a place that you can come and always know that you have left an important stamp that will be never forgotten.”
Their first CL win is a historical milestone for them and Gündoğan happened to be the captain, it makes sense to me that it has significance to City and they wanted to honor this.
It’s also not like they renamed the Etihad to the Gündoğan stadium (I don’t mind that tho). They certainly have more than one training pitch so I don’t see the reason to overreact over this.
It’s the city of Manchester stadium. Etihad is the ‘sponsor’s’ name.