Manchester City
Cup hero Gündogan on the future: “Nothing decided yet”
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan (r) celebrates with team-mate John Stones. photo
© Adam Davy/PA Wire/dpa
Ilkay Gündogan decides the FA Cup final almost single-handedly. However, the triumph allegedly has no influence on his future plans. His contract in Manchester is about to expire.
Manchester City’s cup hero Ilkay Gundogan has left his future open after winning the FA Cup final. “Nothing has been decided yet,” the 32-year-old told the BBC after beating Manchester United 2-1 at London’s Wembley Stadium. “We’ll see what will happen.”
Gündogan’s contract ends this summer. There are said to be several interested parties in the Premier League, and FC Barcelona from Spain should also try hard for the services of the German national player.
With his brace, Gündogan, who had previously led City to the championship as captain, had practically decided the game in Wembley single-handedly. His goal after 12 seconds set a record for the fastest goal in an FA Cup final.
Such a triumph has no influence on his decision, Gündogan subsequently confirmed. “I don’t need days like this to feel valued or special at this club,” he said. “I know that too. That’s why I’ve been here for seven years – with all the ups and downs I’ve had up to now.”
Next Saturday, the captain is aiming for a historic success with Manchester City – the triple of championship, FA Cup and Champions League. In the final against Inter Milan City can win a European competition for the first time since winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.
“We don’t want to miss this opportunity,” said Gündogan. “Our focus now is to rest, recover and be perfectly prepared.”