İlkay Gündoğan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at Manchester City as the midfielder arrived at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He had then signed a four-year deal with the Premier League winners.
The 29-year-old’s earlier contract was set to expire after the end of this year and there were rumours about his possible exit from the club last summer.
However, the Germany international put all speculation to bed after signing a new contract in August 2019. His current deal runs down in 2023.
With football across Europe suspended following Coronavirus outbreak, Marca had an opportunity to interview Gündoğan. The player revealed the former Barcelona manager played a key role in his decision to sign an extension at City.
Gündoğan explained his stance when the Spanish newspaper asked him about his relationship with Guardiola.
“Guardiola is one of the main reasons why I signed for Manchester City in 2016 and why I renewed my contract last year,” he explained.
“Pep has so much charisma that you always try to give more than 100 percent, not only in games, but also in training. His way of understanding the game, moreover, fits perfectly with my style.”
City sealed a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie at Santiago Bernabéu in February. The return leg has been postponed after UEFA decided to suspend football matches.
Regarding the tie in Madrid, Gündoğan said: “It was a very intense match. We had a lot of respect for them in the first stage of the game and I think Madrid started the match well.”
“But we were growing, we were very strong with our plan and we believed until the end. It was an incredible victory, because we won at the Bernabéu in the Champions League… It is a victory that the players and the club really wanted.”
