Considering how much he means to the club, perhaps some Manchester City supporters still feel as overjoyed as ever that Ilkay Gundogan made his return to the Etihad Stadium in the summer.
Gundogan is on a one-year contract at City with an option in his deal to potentially extend his agreement by another year if the club are happy with how he fares.
The Manchester City midfielder will be hoping to becoming a regular starter once again — especially ahead of his side’s upcoming clash against Arsenal.
So far, the German international has only started in one game for Pep Guardiola’s side and otherwise, he has been restricted to substitute appearances.
But Gundogan would have decided to rejoin a team of Manchester City’s calibre only if he still views himself as a top player.
Considering Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis can all play in central midfield, the former Barcelona maestro would have been aware of how much competition there is in his position at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City stalwart makes future transfer suggestion
Currently, Gundogan’s primary focus will be on continuing to play at the highest level.
However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund technician turns 34 in October this year and he is in the twilight of his career.
As a result, the Gelsenkirchen-born ace will perhaps have an eye on his future as a player in a few years’ time.
When players reach Gundogan’s age, it is natural for them to consider such career decisions at all times.
Usually, players like he five-time Premier League winner tend to head outside Europe after leaving a major club.
But Gundogan has suggested that he could be open to a move to Galatasaray if he left Manchester City one day — having supported the club growing up.
The 33-year-old told the Daily Mail: “Never say never.”
“It would be something that would fill me with pride but at the end of the day you have to look at the circumstances at a certain time.”
“The reality is that I am here playing for the best club and the best football team in the world. I don’t think there is anything comparable to that right now.”
Ilkay Gundogan makes it clear that his focus is not on Galatasaray currently
As Gundogan stated, while potentially joining Galatasaray in the future would be a matter of pride for him, his focus is on his second spell at Manchester City.
The City legend also emphasised that playing for the English giants is the pinnacle of European football.
Whether Gundogan wishes to sign for the Turkish side one day should not concern City supporters.
The silky midfielder seems committed to the Manchester City cause and proving that he still belongs at the elite level.
But Gundogan did not rule out a chance to move to Galatasaray one day as he still seems to love the club and it is an opportunity that he could potentially consider taking if the timing suits all parties involved one day.
