Despite Manchester City and Liverpool being embroiled in one of the most competitive rivalries in Premier League history in recent years, things have remained cordial between both clubs.
In fact, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp tend to be extremely complimentary about each other and their respective sides.
When both juggernauts lock horns as well, things rarely ever go out of hand in terms of challenges or brawls.
The respect between both sides has prompted a number of fans and pundits alike to voice their desire for more bite between the sides, in the same vein as between Arsenal and Manchester United back in the early 2000s.
Leading into this theme of respect between the Sky Blues and the Reds, Ilkay Gundogan lifted the lid on how Jurgen Klopp sent him a classy message after Manchester City’s Premier League title win on the final day of last season.
“Kloppo wrote to me at 9:26PM. ‘Congratulations’ and a heart”, he said on the BILD Sport podcast.
The City captain went on to wish his fellow countryman and Liverpool best of luck ahead of their Champions League final clash against Real Madrid.
“I replied: ‘Thank you! You also for the great season and good luck for the Champions League final, and a heart too.”
At one point, Liverpool seemed destined to become the champions of England, after former midfielder Philippe Coutinho made it 2-0 for Aston Villa in the 69th minute.
However, Gundogan rescued City’s blushes off the bench with a well-taken brace, as Rodri also got on the scoresheet to ensure the league title remained in the blue half of Manchester.
As a result, to discover that Klopp went out of his way to send his former colleague a congratulatory message is a testament to the mutual admiration between both clubs.
The same can be said for Ilkay Gundogan, who sent Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool his wishes, despite Manchester City’s devastating defeat to Real Madrid in the semi-final last term.
