Ilkay Gundogan’s return to Manchester City in 2024 was a surprise for fans and pundits alike. After leaving for Barcelona in 2023, many believed his chapter with City had closed. However, after a year in Spain, Ilkay Gundogan initiated his own comeback, picking up the phone to call Pep Guardiola.
“Returning was something I personally wanted,” Ilkay Gundogan revealed, explaining that he had thought carefully before reaching out to his former manager. The reception from Guardiola was warm, and Ilkay Gundogan was quickly reintegrated into a team where he had previously led City to a historic treble victory. Despite this, he acknowledged the challenges of returning, stating, “You have to fit in again; time has passed by.”
Life Next Door to Pep Guardiola
Living next door to Pep Guardiola offers Ilkay Gundogan a unique perspective, not just on his coach but also on maintaining personal and professional boundaries. The two have a close relationship, built over years of working together since Ilkay Gundogan became Guardiola’s first signing for Manchester City in 2016. Their bond remains strong, with occasional meetings even during Gundogan’s time at Barcelona.
Despite their proximity, IIkay Gundogan maintains a humble attitude, preferring to stay grounded in his personal life. “I try to be normal, to be a good guy, to be humble,” he shared. His commitment to keeping personal and professional life balanced is clear in his demeanor, often dressed modestly in comparison to some of his more flamboyant teammates.
IIkay Gundogan Reflecting on Barcelona and a Dream Unfulfilled
Ilkay Gundogan’s year at Barcelona fulfilled a childhood dream, even if it didn’t bring the silverware he might have hoped for. His time at the Catalan club was challenging, yet he reflects on it with pride. “I played for one of the biggest teams in the world. I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams,” he explained. Despite missing out on major trophies, IIkay Gundogan was quick to point out that Barcelona had a strong season, narrowly missing out on La Liga success.
Returning to Manchester without any new titles, IIkay Gundogan is determined to make an impact at City once again. His humility is striking, stating, “I feel I fit in quite nicely to that team, but I never take myself too important or too seriously.” He continues to cherish the memories and achievements of his time in Spain, but is now fully focused on contributing to City’s success once again.
Arsenal Showdown: A Rivalry Renewed
As IIkay Gundogan prepares for Manchester City’s showdown with Arsenal, he reflects on the evolving nature of football rivalries. With Mikel Arteta, Guardiola’s former assistant, now managing Arsenal, IIkay Gundogan sees the contest as one of tactical sophistication rather than sheer intensity, as was the case with Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. “Arsenal are much more similar to how we play than Klopp’s Liverpool ever were,” he noted.
The upcoming clash is crucial, as Arsenal pushed City to the limit last season, narrowly losing out on the Premier League title by just two points. IIkay Gundogan understands that the margins are fine between the two teams, with small decisions often determining the outcome. For him, the match is not just another fixture, but a continuation of an intriguing tactical battle between two of the league’s best sides.
The Legacy of a Humble Leader
Despite his remarkable achievements, including five Premier League titles, six domestic cups, and a treble, IIkay Gundogan remains grounded. He doesn’t see himself as special, focusing instead on his contributions to the team. “It’s nice to have trophies, but I don’t feel I am that special,” he said. His humility and dedication to his craft are evident, even in training sessions where he admits to feeling nervous about making mistakes.
IIkay Gundogan’s leadership qualities extend beyond the pitch. He embodies the principles of honesty and accountability, particularly in team drills like the Rondo. “If I don’t give my teammate a good pass and he loses the ball, it’s not his mistake, it’s mine,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility. His teammates respect him for this, and it is perhaps this humble yet determined approach that has made Ilkay Gundogan one of the most admired players in world football
