Ilkay Gundogan has two big objectives for his Manchester City future
Ilkay Gundogan hopes to begin fresh talks to extend his contract at Manchester City – and win the Champions League with them.
The Germany international played a key role for Pep Guardiola’s side in the second half of the season, standing in for the injured Fernandinho as City swept to Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup titles.
Gundogan held talks about renewing his deal in March but negotiations broke down and the 28-year-old’s current deal is set to expire next summer.
However, the midfielder told BILD that he hopes to stay at the Etihad.
“I wanted to focus completely on the games in recent months,” he said.
“I think my form and the results of the last few weeks have shown that this was the right path.
“Now there's enough time to reflect on the situation and re-engage with the club.”
City were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by domestic rivals Tottenham Hotspur but Gundogan is targeting future glory in Europe.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
“With the Champions League, it would have been a five-star season,” he said.
“In England, we cleared all titles that were possible, including the title in the best league in the world.
“The exit in Europe was extremely bitter, but that's football. But it would be wrong if we still mourn the Champions League after these great domestic successes.
“Nevertheless, if I can wish for something at club level for my future, it is to win the Champions League. That's my big goal.”
Read more...
FEATURE How UEFA used the Champions League final to reveal their plan to revolutionise women’s football
Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw