World Cup

Ilkay Gundogan "proud" despite Germany's World Cup failure

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 30 June 2018

Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan admits to still being "disappointed" following his side's World Cup exit, but says that he is "proud" to have played in the competition.

Ilkay Gundogan has talked of his pride at representing Germany at the World Cup, but admits that his side's campaign was a failure.

The defending champions were dumped out of the competition at the first stage for the first time since 1938, claiming just three points from their three matches to finish bottom of Group F.

Manchester City midfielder Gundogan, who was at the centre of a media storm ahead of the tournament, admits that he is still feeling the pain of Germany's early exit and hopes to quickly respond.

"We are all still so disappointed. We had big plans, but we failed," he posted on Twitter. "I'm proud to have played for the 1st time for #GER at a World Cup, but to exit in the group stage is nothing but frustrating. We have to get up again for the challenges after the summer break - and we will."

We are all still so disappointed. We had big plans, but we failed. I'm proud to have played for the 1st time for #GER at a World Cup, but to exit in the group stage is nothing but frustrating. We have to get up again for the challenges after the summer break - and we will. 🇩🇪⚽ pic.twitter.com/cJbt1TvstH
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) June 30, 2018