The German midfielder re-signed for the Club on Friday, penning a one-year deal.
In his first stint at the Etihad, which lasted seven years and saw him win 14 major trophies, Gundogan wore the No. 8 shirt, most famously in his final season where he captained us to an historic Treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup successes.
But with Mateo Kovacic now wearing 8, Gundogan has opted for 19, previously worn by his friend and former international colleague Leroy Sane.
And in his first official City interview since re-joining, Gundogan explained his reason for choosing 19.
“There was a little bit of thinking behind it,” Gundogan explained.
“Obviously number 21 and 22 were free as well and I was last year 22 in in Barcelona and I was 21 in the German national team, but I didn’t win any trophies with these numbers.
“So, I thought OK and number 19 is between 18 and 20 between my two friends Bernardo Silva and Stefan Ortega.
“So that might be a sign, you know, and I just went for it. So let’s see.
“It’s hopefully not the number that will have a big influence it will be the way I am playing the like the way I’m behaving and the way we will be as a team, and I can assure you that we will try our best to win a lot.”
Other notable City No. 19s include Samir Nasri, Joleon Lescott and Danny Tiatto.
The No. 19 shirt has been vacant since Julian Alvarez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid was confirmed earlier this month.
