Ilkay Gundogan wants to keep playing past the age of 35, but admits he would love to be part of the Manchester City's management team in the future
Ilkay Gundogan knows his playing career with Galatasaray hasn't got long left
Ilkay Gundogan knows his playing career with Galatasaray hasn't got long left(Image: 2026 Anadolu)
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Ilkay Gundogan has targeted a return to Manchester City to become part of the coaching staff.
But Gundogan has ruled out being part of the new management team at the Etihad following Pep Guardiola's exit. Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola as manager this summer.
Gundogan still has 12 months remaining on his Galatasaray deal, and would like to play one more season with the Turkish club. But the German admits he would like to go into coaching once he retires - and believes there could be a role for him at the Etihad. The 35-year-old is one of the most decorated players in City's history.
The midfielder won 14 major trophies in two spells under Guardiola, and captained City to a historic Treble in 2023.
The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund star said: "Of course, there's a chance. "Obviously, it depends a little on my own decisions, on my drive also, in terms of how I want to evolve after finishing my active (playing) career.
"I feel like I still have a couple of really good years in me. I would like to play a little more, because I'm still enjoying it.
"But obviously long-term, everyone knows it's not a secret that I started doing my coaching badges, you know, and tried to see in which direction I would like to go, you know, after my career.
"And there's definitely potential, 100 per cent. I mean, this place has given me, as a player, everything I wanted. So why not try it also in a different role?"
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