Ilkay Gundogan is one of two Manchester City Premier League-winners to return during Wednesday's Champions League showdown when Galatasaray visit
Ilkay Gundogan has expressed his love for Manchester City.
Ilkay Gundogan has expressed his love for Manchester City.(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Manchester City icon Ilkay Gundogan has shown his true colours ahead of Wednesday's Champions League reunion.
The former Blues captain has revealed that he watches as many matches and supports the club despite leaving for Galatasaray - tipping them to gazump Arsenal to the Premier League title.
The German international can disrupt Pep Guardiola's pursuit of elite European glory when the two clubs lockhorns in their final group stage match.
City need to win and hope results go their way to break into the top-eight and avoid a two-legged playoff match, while the Turkish giants can still creep into the automatic qualification places but need results to go their way.
Gundogan left City in September bringing his second spell with the club to an end, having joined from Barcelona. The 35-year-old left the club despite having one-year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium but has joined the Turkish side in their quest for history in the Champions League, as well as a record-extending 26th Super Lig title.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's showdown, Gundogan said: "I’m still a fan of this football club, this team and this manager.
"I watch as many games of City’s as I can and even if we weren’t facing them in this competition, it wouldn’t change anything for me because there are so many people close to my heart here, and obviously I wish City nothing but the best."
Gundogan highlighted his commitment to following Guardiola's side as he offered his thoughts on the Premier League title race, which took a fresh twist at the weekend when Manchester United dented Arsenal's hopes.
United had inflicted misery on City just eight days earlier when Matheus Cunha scored the winner to hand Michael Carrick's side two wins in as many matches.
And the 35-year-old believes the title race isn't a foregone conclusion, with many pundits tipping Mikel Arteta to end Arsenal's two-decade-long wait to return to the summit of English. However, the former City midfielder believes City will regain their Premier League crown.
He said: “I still believe City are able to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title.
"They were able to close the gap down last weekend and we all know that once this City team gets momentum, I think they will be able to go on a long unbeaten run.
"I believe in them, I believe in the manager and the team, and I wish them nothing but the best."
Wednesday's curtain-closer in the Champions League will also see Leroy Sane return to City. The Germany winger departed six years ago to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, where he went on to further his trophy-winning exploits.
Leroy Sane of Galatasaray looks on during the Trendyol Süper Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Konyaspor at Rams Park Stadium
Leroy Sane of Galatasaray will face his old club on Wednesday night(Image: Getty Images)
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He has since made the move to Turkey, following the expiry of his contract in Bavaria last summer, and ahead of Wednesday's reunion, Sane revealed that he is cherishing the prospect of returning to the north west of England.
The winger said: “Absolutely. I've never truly lost touch with some friends at the club.
"I'm looking forward to seeing some old friends again on Wednesday.”