Ilkay Gundogan says he's happy at Manchester City as he made it clear he wants to stay beyond the summer transfer window. The seasoned German midfielder showcased his enduring quality with a brace as City demolished Al Ain 6-0 in the Club World Cup overnight, propelling them into the last 16.
Amidst speculation of a potential switch to Galatasaray for the 34-year-old, who returned to City last summer after a stint at Barcelona, Gundogan did not outright deny the possibility of an exit but emphasised his desire to continue contributing significantly to Pep Guardiola's squad.
When quizzed about his future at the club, Gundogan affirmed: "I think so, yes. I have a one-year contract and I'm very happy here. I think everyone knows that.
"And I am committed to the competition, and I'm enjoying my football. I still believe that I have several years in me (of being able) to play on the highest level by taking good care of myself. I think I've proven that."
"Also in last season I didn't miss a game, so I'm available. I'm fit. I feel really good and I want to play on the highest level for much longer."
Despite City's resounding win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which secured their progression, they remain second in Group G, trailing behind Juventus who they face next.
The two teams are neck and neck, but the Italians boast a superior goal tally, leaving City with no choice but to triumph in Thursday's showdown to clinch the top spot and dodge a second-round battle with the victors of Real Madrid's group.
Gundogan added: "That at least would have given us a chance to get two results instead of just one, so that would be a higher probability at the end.
"But somehow it doesn't matter. We need a good performance against Juve to win the game. We always knew that and it's not going to change the way we approach it."
City's No.8opened the scoring with an audacious lob over Al Ain's keeper Khalid Eisa, initially appearing as a cross, followed by teenager Claudio Echeverri's free-kick and Erling Haaland's penalty before half-time.
Gundogan bagged his second and City's fourth in the 73rd minute, with late contributions from subs Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki adding gloss to the scoreline.
Gundogan added: "It's something that should have not happened. We definitely need to do better because on the highest level you should not allow yourself to be not that good for such a long time in the game.
"It felt quite long, to be honest, in terms of the standards that we have."