‘I’m married, but I adore him!’: Pep Guardiola showers Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan with praise
‘I’m married but I adore him!’: Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Ilkay Gundogan, labeling the Man City captain an ‘exceptional player in every way’… despite the midfielder’s future at the club still uncertain is doubtful
- Pep Guardiola has praised Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan
- The 32-year-old was Guardiola’s first signing for the club when he took over in 2016
- Gundogan’s current contract with the Etihad expires at the end of the season
Pep Guardiola has expressed his love for Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan as they chase another Premier League title.
Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing at City when he joined the club for just £21 million in 2016 and has since made over 200 appearances in all competitions.
However, the World Cup-winning Germany international’s future at the Etihad is in doubt as the player’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Reports earlier this month suggested the 32-year-old could move to La Liga to join Barcelona on a two-year contract.
The player’s agent refuted these claims, claiming that a decision has yet to be made on Gundogan’s football future and that his current focus is on leading City to another Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola has praised his Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan
The Germany international was Guardiola’s first signing after taking charge at City in 2016
Speaking to reporters ahead of City’s clash with Fulham on Sunday, Guardiola praised his captain’s ability and versatility.
‘I love him. I love him. I’m married, but I adore him! Ilkay is such an important player. Humanity, leading with silence – and yet, when he talks, everyone listens.
“He is a footballer who is perfectly defined. An attacking midfielder with a sense of purpose and assists.
“He is so intelligent in the moment and always in the right position. He can also play as a defensive midfielder. Ilkay is an exceptional player in every way.’
After falling behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal earlier this season, Guardiola’s side took advantage of their title rivals’ recent loss of form and regained the initiative by beating the Gunners on Wednesday.
But the midfielder’s future at City is in doubt as his contract expires at the end of the season
Should the Citizens capture another league title, it would be Gundogan’s fifth in seven seasons with the club.
The victory over Bayern Munich has kept the club’s dreams of European glory alive, as well as paving the way for a potential fairytale ending for Gundogan as his last game for the club becomes the Champions League final as they pass Real Madrid.
“You can’t win anything – you can’t even dream it – unless you want to do it,” Guardiola added.
“You talk about Ilkay’s experience. That doesn’t mean that what happened in the past will happen in the future, but being present often helps.’