I’ve created memories that will last a lifetime, says Gundogan | OneFootball

Ilkay Gundogan says he has created memories both on and off the pitch in Manchester that will stay with him forever.

Earlier this month, we said goodbye to our former captain, who led City to a historic Treble in 2022/23.

The hard-working midfielder has always been a fan favourite for his huge commitment and desire in his eight years at the Etihad and is rightly regarded as one of the best German players to ever grace the Premier League.

Across his two spells at the Etihad, Gundogan helped the Club win 14 trophies in his 358 appearances and scored many crucial goals along the way.

And in his final interview with the Club, the 34-year-old spoke about his time in Manchester with immense pride and gratitude and as a special place for him and his family.

“I feel very proud. I feel privileged,” Gundogan said. “I’m very grateful because I got to work with the best people, not just in their jobs but also in terms of personalities and characters.

“I feel like I was a bit lucky as well. Because sometimes life is about timing, and I just had the perfect one, joining together with Pep [Guardiola].

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“Even though my first year for me personally was a bit difficult because of a couple of bigger injuries, after that, I settled in quite quickly.

“Everyone made it so easy for me, and that’s when you can perform as well on your best level.

“When people take care of you, when they make you feel at home, that’s the reason why it was maybe easy for me to give back with some big performances, important goals, important moments on the pitch. And all that together, it was the perfect balance.”

City fans will not forget those big moments - Gundogan’s late title-winning strike against Aston Villa, a record-breaking volley in our FA Cup final win over Manchester United and lifting the Champions League trophy in Istanbul.

Those memories are special for the former German international and he also cherishes special occasions away from the pitch.

“I have been there [in Manchester] for so many years,” he said. “I’ve met some amazing people, obviously inside the Club, but also outside the Club. So many memories, also on a private level.

“My two kids kind of grew up here. The older one obviously for a bit longer, but even my daughter as well, for a few months.

“My son started to walk in Manchester. He enjoyed being in the stadium and the training ground a lot.

“It means a lot to me, to my family. It’s a place somehow, we will always be back, and we will always feel connected to it as a place that we will never forget.

“And a big thank you, because [the fans] made me feel special,” Gundogan continued.

“I think the connection throughout all the years was amazing. Their support means a lot. And it still means a lot to me and my family, we will always stay connected.

“We will always have what we achieved together. No one will ever be able to take it away from us. We will see each other soon.”