The former German International, Ilkay Gundogan recently made his sensational return to the Premier League and reunited with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. This transfer can benefit both the City and Gundogan, as the English Champions couldn’t miss the chance to welcome back their former skipper who was instrumental in their monumental success including the treble-winning campaign in 2022-23.
The 33-year-old, midfielder who had played with the Catalan giants Barcelona last season was prompted for an early exit due to financial constraints of the La Liga club. However, the City player isn’t the only or the first ever who has marked his return to the former EPL club after a spell elsewhere. Here are the top five superstars who have rejoined their former employers in the Premier League.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
In the summer of 2021, the Portuguese phenomenon Cristiano Ronaldo re-arrived at the ‘theatre of dreams’ that sent waves across the football fraternity, leaving Juventus. It was no less than a festival for Red Devil supporters witnessing one of the biggest club legend stints and greatest player of all time.
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2. Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspurs)
Gareth Bale is widely acclaimed as the Greatest British footballer of all time, having played for the biggest club in the world — Real Madrid and lifting uncountable titles including five UCL triumphs and individual feats. He had a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspurs during the 2020-21 season.
3. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
Didier Drogba ranks among the most iconic figures in the history of Chelsea. The Ivory Coast legend has made an immense contribution to the club’s success during his initial spell (2004-2012) with numerous Premier League, domestic titles and a Champions League. Two years, later following spells in China and Turkey the striker returned to Stamford Bridge in 2015.
4. Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
French Legend, Thierry Henry is hailed as the greatest forward of all time. He is greatly remembered for his contributions during Arsenal’s Invincible era under Arsène Wenger and subsequently left the London club in 2007 in a surprising transfer. In 2012 he returned to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal from New York Red Bulls.
5. Juninho Paulista (Middlesbrough)
Juninho Paulista the Brazilian legendary midfielder famous for his flair, creativity and free-kick prowess and has the record for most free-kick goals in history. Juninho is considered the greatest-ever player of Middlesbrough, he altogether had three spells at the Riverside. Boro’s most decorated player with immense international success — he won the English League Cup in 2004 during his last spell with the English.