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Ilkay Gundogan addresses Manchester City future amid Barcelona talk

Ilkay Gundogan addresses Man City future amid Barcelona talk
© Reuters
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who continues to be linked with Barcelona, says that there is "nothing decided" when it comes to his future.

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has said that there is "nothing decided" when it comes to his future, as the speculation surrounding the midfielder continues to gather pace.

The 32-year-old has again been a key player for the Citizens during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 40 occasions in all competitions, contributing five goals and five assists in the process.

The Germany international only has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until the end of June, though, and there is currently speculation regarding a potential move away from the Citizens.

Barcelona are believed to be keen on a deal for the midfielder, and a recent report claimed that the Catalan outfit were growing in confidence when it comes to a move this summer.

However, Gundogan's agent Ilhan Gundogan has denied suggestions that his client has already reached an agreement with the La Liga side.

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan wears a rainbow coloured armband on October 29, 2022© Reuters

Gundogan has revealed that contract talks are still taking place "in the background", but he refused to commit his future to the English champions.

"There are talks in the background, I think it's normal, but without going into too much detail, there's nothing decided yet, so the talks continue and if there's a decision you guys will be the first to know," Gundogan told reporters ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg with Bayern Munich.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the first leg with the German champions last week, which Pep Guardiola's side won 3-0 to place themselves in a commanding position in the tie.

However, despite the strength of the advantage, Gundogan insisted that there was still plenty of work to do for Man City to secure their spot in the final four against Real Madrid.

"I guess it's about finding a balance. Our team is built to start every game wanting to win it. We want possession but need to play in a mature way. We know from experience as well and the games we've watched that everything is still possible," he added.

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan in action with Chelsea's Kai Havertz on January 5, 2023© Reuters

"This competition has something special. You can sometimes get incredible results you wouldn't believe, so obviously we take it very seriously. We are playing one of the best teams in Europe and that's how we approach the game.

"Just don't think about it (the first-leg result) because it's not done. In this competition it's always first and second leg. We're away now, and especially away it requires a big personality. We want to keep the ball and you have to have personality playing in such an amazing stadium.

"Their fans will be behind them more than ever. It's about us not allowing them to get momentum and to get the first goal, as they'll feel there's still a lot to play for. The best way to deal within this it to play our style. Try to be efficient."

Gundogan made the move to Man City from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016, and he has represented the English side on 293 occasions, scoring 54 goals and contributing 38 assists.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups and two Community Shield trophies during his time in Manchester.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring their second goal on February 12, 2023
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