Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move to Galatasaray this summer and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted that the veteran midfielder will be on the moveIlkay Gundogan insists he wants to stay at Manchester City and fight for his place. Turkish giants Galatasaray want to sign Gundogan this summer and City boss Pep Guardiola hinted they may allow him to leave because the squad is too big.
But Gundogan, 34, says he wants to stay at the Etihad and claims he is still in good enough shape to help City win more trophies. City midfielder Gundogan, who re-signed last summer for a second spell at the club, also said it remains a “big privilege” to play for Guardiola as he made it clear he wants to stay.
Gundogan, who scored twice in City’s 6-0 win over Al Ain in their second Club World Cup Group match, said: “I have a one year contract. And I’m very happy here. I think everyone knows that. And I am committed to the competition.
“And I’m enjoying my football. I still believe that I have several years in me. To play on the highest level by taking good care of myself. And I think I’ve proven that. Also last season I didn’t miss a game. So I’m available. I’m fit. I feel really good. And I want to play on the highest level for much longer.”
Gundogan left two years ago to move to Barcelona after helping City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title but rejoined last summer. However, Gundogan struggled to hold down a regular starting place and City’s season ended in frustration as they finished the campaign empty-handed.But Gundogan insisted that he still wants to play for Guardiola at City and is fully committed to giving everything to win more trophies. He said: “What is it like to play for him? It’s a big privilege. I mean, otherwise I would have not joined again.
“Otherwise I would have not spent so many years with him at this club. I think it’s just something that he has, that he’s able to do. To make players feel they have to compete on the highest level. They have to reach their best to be able to play in this team, first of all.
“But then also you know that every training session, every game is just a joy. If it turns out to be the way we want to play. That’s why he’s the best. That’s why he has won so much, so many titles. That’s why probably all the players in the world would love to play for him. And the same reason is for me.”
