Ilkay Gundogan admits he could end his career at Manchester City as midfielder hits goalscoring form
Ilkay Gundogan reveals he could stay at Manchester City for the rest of his career as the German midfielder’s goals look set to guide his side to the Premier League title.
The 30-year-old netted twice against Tottenham on Saturday evening to take his top-flight goal tally to 11 for the season, while Gundogan also won a penalty for Pep Guardiola’s side early in the first half which Rodri converted.
With the midfielder popping up with ten goals in his last ten games for City, the club now have a seven-point lead over Manchester United and Leicester City behind them having played a game less than their rivals.
Ilkay Gundogan admits he could stay at Manchester City for the rest of his playing career
The German scored a brace against Tottenham to take his league goal tally to 11 this season
Gundogan – who was named as the Premier League’s Player of the Month for January – has branded City as a ‘family’ for him and admits he has never felt so welcome at a club during his career.
When asked if he could end his career at City, Gundogan told Sky Sports Germany: ‘I must honestly say that I can imagine that happening.
‘The way they work here, not only athletically but also in all areas around it, is something I have never seen before in my career.
‘I feel like the club is more than just the football itself and it’s just a nice feeling to be a part of this family.’
Gundogan feels like he is in a family at City and has never felt this before in his career
Gundogan was rumoured to be leaving Manchester City in the summer of 2019 as there was uncertainty over him signing an extension to his previous deal at the club which ended in 2020.
But the German signed a new deal at the start of last season which will see him remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2023.
Gundogan claims his City career has included some positive and negative periods since his arrival in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund and reveals he is enjoying his new attacking role.
Gundogan (left) nearly left City last summer but signed a new contract until 2023
The midfielder added: ‘I think that in my career I have had phases in the past where I was playing just as well. The way I played football.
‘Of course, what is added this season are the goals. The numbers are much better, that’s why it stands out even more at the moment.
‘But that’s also because I play a more attacking role. I have more freedom when it comes to attacking the opposing goal.
The 30-year-old (left) says he is enjoying his new attacking role under Pep Guardiola this term
‘But also the hard work I do. I try to do everything as well as possible and take the best possible care of myself.’
Gundogan limped out of Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham with a suspected groin injury and is a doubt for City’s new few fixtures.
Guardiola’s side visit Everton on Wednesday night before taking on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, ahead of their Champions League first-leg tie with Borussia Monchengladbach the following week.
