Pep Guardiola has further expressed his desire at wanting Ilkay Gundogan to stay at Manchester City beyond the end of his current contract which expires at the end of June. The Germany international was once again among the goals at crucial moments for City as his brace helped them win the FA Cup over rivals Manchester United and go one step closer to completing a historic treble with the Champions League final against Inter set for next Saturday.
The 32-year-old was again a hugely important figure in the 2022/23 season, particularly for the Premier League title run-in with Arsenal. During City's 16-game unbeaten streak in the league which began in early February, Gundogan scored six goals from midfield, including braces against Leeds and Everton.
His clear impact on games and contract situation saw transfer interest first emerge from Barcelona, who were quickly joined by the Gunners. Both clubs are keen to complete a free transfer for Gundogan, but understandably so, City want to extend his stay at Etihad Stadium.
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Following his man of the match performance at Wembley, Gundogan was asked about his immediate future with his response hinting more to remaining at City. "To be honest I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club," he told BBC.
"I know that, that is why I am here already seven years with all the ups and downs I’ve had so far. Nothing is decided yet so we’re gonna see what’s going to happen."
If an exit is sealed, Barcelona looks to be the most likely destination with Sport reporting on Saturday that Gundogan is ready to 'close the chapter' on his spell in the Premier League and has been convinced to join the La Liga champions.
Guardiola has since delivered his stance on Gundogan's future and despite not explicitly revealing a new contract offer or his desire to see him stay, the City boss certainly hinted that he does not want the Champions League final to be Gundogan's final game for the club.
He said in his press conference, as relayed on Hayters TV: “He knows what I think. Maybe someone of you know, we are neighbours, we live on the same floor. For many years, he’s a close friend of mine.
“As a player, he’s exceptional. Hopefully, we can finish in a good way. Txiki [Begiristain, City’s director of football] is working and hopefully, we can do it, because this season (what) he has done is exceptional.
“Don’t forget (against) Aston Villa – the two goals he scored. This season he scored many many times he scored important goals.”
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