It seemed to have fallen together perfectly, yet the Champions League eluded Manchester City again once more.
Since owner Sheikh Mansour purchased the club in 2008, Manchester City have won five Premier League titles, two Fa Cups, and six League Cups, in what has been 13 years of success and dominance.
However, the big eared trophy is the holy grail for the Citizens and when they lined up against Chelsea in what was one of the most evenly matched Champions League finals in a long time, it seemed like their moment had finally arrived.
Unfortunately, Mason Mount fed Kai Havertz through on goal and the much maligned German rounded Ederson and prodded the winning goal into an empty net.
As long as Pep Guardiola is manager at the Etihad Stadium there is little doubt their moment will come again; however, many reports have suggested an exodus of players on the blue side of Manchester is likely.
One of these players is classy German playmaker Ilkay Gundogan who is reportedly interested in a move to Barcelona according to The Sun.
Barcelona were pipped to the post for the signature of Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum by Paris Saint-Germain, who swept in at the last minute with a better offer for the Netherlands’ international.
Disappointed with their failure to sign the experienced Dutchman, it appears Barcelona could look to Gundogan to add much needed experience and quality to their midfield.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder recorded his best personal season for City, recording an impressive tally of 17 goals and five assists in all competitions, making him the club’s top goalscorer this season.
It has been reported Guardiola is very keen to bring Jack Grealish to the Etihad Stadium, but if any move for the Aston Villa captain was going to happen, resources and funds would apparently need to be raised before they make an offer.
Gundogan, who has two years left on his contract with the Sky Blues, is allegedly a huge admirer of Barcelona and was a huge admirer of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
Any potential transfer would not happen until after the European Championships, with the German said to be in no rush to force through a transfer while he is with Germany.