Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain paid tribute to the “inspirational” Ilkay Gundogan after the midfielder’s long-expected free transfer to Barcelona was confirmed. The treble-winning captain turned down the chance to stay at City and is set to sign with Barca, who have set his buyout clause at 400million euros (£342m), until 2025 following the expiration of his existing contract. Gundogan, who was manager Pep Guardiola’s first signing in July 2016, signed off in style by lifting the Champions League earlier this month after victory over Inter Milan in his 304th and final appearance. “Ilkay has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on a very special high having captained us to a historic treble,” said Begiristain. “He has played a huge part in the successes we have enjoyed in recent seasons and Ilkay’s intelligence, leadership and commitment to the club – both on and off the field – has been an inspiration to everyone. “Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career.” During his seven years at City Gundogan won the Premier League five times, in addition to two FA Cups – this season scoring the quickest goal in final history at 12 seconds – four League Cups and the Champions League. “I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra-special season has been the greatest experience of my career,” said the former Germany international. “First, I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget. “I would also like to thank all my team-mates – past and present – who have all played such a special part in making my time here so amazing. “Finally, I would like to thank the incredible City fans. They have supported me from the moment I arrived, and I owe them all so much for their support. “This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity.”

Liverpool full-back Calvin Ramsay is set to join Preston on loan for next season. The 19-year-old managed just 93 minutes of football – across two matches in the Carabao Cup and Champions League in November – due to a back problem and then a knee injury which prematurely ended his maiden campaign. Ramsay underwent surgery in February and is in need of regular first-team football which is why, the PA news agency understands, he has been allowed to go out on loan to the Championship side. The Scotland international arrived at Anfield last summer from Aberdeen for an initial £4million.

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Erling Haaland admits the pressure is on as he prepares for Manchester City’s Champions League date with destiny. The Premier League winners face Inter Milan on Saturday night bidding to claim the European crown for the first time. Victory would not only end years of frustration and near-misses in pursuit of the continent’s top club prize but complete a glorious treble. City’s outstanding season, which has also included winning the FA Cup as well as a fifth domestic league title in six years, has been fuelled by the goals of Haaland. The prolific Norwegian has scored 52 times in an outstanding first season at the Etihad Stadium and is well aware the club hope he proves the final piece in their jigsaw. “Of course I feel pressure,” the 22-year-old said. “I would lie if I said I didn’t. “It’s true – they won the Premier League without me, they won every trophy without me. So I’m here to try to do a thing that the club has never done before and I’ll do my best.” Winning the Champions League is also the chief reason manager Pep Guardiola was brought to the club. Victory for him would end a 12-year wait to reclaim the trophy since the second of his two triumphs as Barcelona boss. “It’s absolutely a dream,” said the Catalan. “What has happened in the past is in the past. It’s an incredible competition. “Inter Milan is bigger than us in terms of history but what’s important is at 10pm Istanbul time we do the best performance possible and that can make the difference.” Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who left the field injured in City’s final defeat to Chelsea two years ago, admits winning the competition has become an obsession as well as a dream. “Maybe it’s both,” said the Belgium international. “Every professional player wants to win the Champions League and be on top. “If you can win the Champions League, you’ve reached one of the biggest things you can.” City have a fully-fit squad for the clash at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, which was also the venue for Liverpool’s remarkable victory in 2005. Nerves and tension are likely to increase in the build-up to the match but defender Ruben Dias feels the team are ready to thrive in such circumstances. “We love the pressure, we love it,” he said. “The pressure will make you run faster, jump higher, be more focused. “That’s what these kind of games need and we need to embrace it. It’s another time for all of us to step up to the occasion.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Denver Nuggets with one hand on NBA trophy after taking 3-1 finals series lead Rory McIlroy boosts chances of third RBC Canadian Open title with flawless 67 Surrey record fourth highest T20 Blast total after scoring 258 in Sussex mauling

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