Ilkay Gundogan’s outstanding performance has consistently pleased his loving fans, proving age is not a factor.
Barcelona manager Xavi has praised the impact Gundogan has made since joining the team.
Barcelona acquired Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer and signed him for two years, despite him being 33 years old.
He has played in nine out of ten league matches, showcasing his versatility across Xavi’s midfield.
While he has yet to score for Barcelona, he has contributed two assists. Xavi emphasized that Gundogan is a crucial player in his team.
During a press conference, the manager expressed his admiration for how well he has started the season.
The manager praised his ability to adapt, his leadership qualities, and the calming effect he brings to the team.
Additionally, the manager commended his skills in controlling the flow of the game and his overall improvement.
According to the Spain manager, he is an invaluable player who provides assurance and maintains the team’s rhythm.
Xavi said: “He is having a very good start to the season. How he has adapted, his leadership, he gives us ‘pausa’, peace of mind, all the balls that pass through him, they improve… he is a priceless footballer. He gives peace of mind, tempo”.
Manchester City celebrated Gundogan on his 33rd birthday
Gundogan celebrated his 33rd birthday on Tuesday, the 24th of October, 2023.
On the midfielder’s 33rd birthday, Manchester City revealed a special dedication to the legendary former captain Ilkay Gundogan.
In honor of his exceptional seven years of service to the club, a mosaic commemorating his title-winning goal against Aston Villa in 2022 has been installed near a training pitch at the City Football Academy.
As the first City captain to ever lift the UEFA Champions League trophy, Gundogan also achieved great success with five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Ilkay Gundogan pokes fun at Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan humorously pokes fun at Robert Lewandowski and suggests that if he had signed for Blackburn Rovers, he may have won the Ballon d’Or.
Barcelona’s roster has experienced significant changes over the past year, with several notable departures including Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
As a result, the most prominent veterans in the team are Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan, who previously played together in Germany.
Their strong bond was evident in a recent video posted by Movistar+, where they comfortably engaged in a friendly quiz.
Who is Ilkay Gundogan?
Ilkay Gundogan is a skilled footballer of German-Turkish descent, who currently serves as a midfielder for Barcelona in La Liga.
Additionally, he holds the prestigious title of captain for the German national team.
Gundogan’s stats
His career began in 2009 when he joined 1. FC Nürnberg before eventually signing for Borussia Dortmund in 2011.
At Dortmund, he achieved considerable success, securing a league and cup double in his debut season and assisting in the team’s journey to the UEFA Champions League final in 2013, their first appearance since 1997.
Gündoğan’s impressive career includes 157 matches played for his previous club before he joined Manchester City in 2016.
During his time at Manchester City, he achieved great success, winning five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2023.
In his final season in England, he led the team as captain and secured a continental treble. In June 2023, Gündoğan made a move to Barcelona.
In terms of his overall club career, Gündoğan has played a total of 570 matches, scoring 110 goals and providing 70 assists.
On the international stage, Gündoğan made his debut for Germany in 2011, having previously represented the under-18, under-19, under-20, and under-21 teams.
He was selected to represent Germany in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship in 2012 and 2020, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
Throughout his international career, Gündoğan has played 71 matches for Germany, scoring 18 goals and creating 7 assists.
His relationship and personal life
In 2022, İlkay Gündoğan and Sara Arfaoui exchanged vows, marking the beginning of their married life. The couple was recently blessed with a child named Kais.
Beyond his exploits on the field, Gündoğan is admired for his modesty and professionalism.
He conducts himself with grace, earning him immense respect for his considerate demeanor.
His teammates and coaches laud his strong work ethic, unwavering discipline, and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Where is Gundogan from originally?
Born in Gelsenkirchen on 24 October 1990, İlkay Gündoğan is a German national with Turkish roots.
The Barcelona’s star mother and father hail from Turkey.
Since 2011, he has represented Germany in international football, showcasing his skills at two World Cups and two European Championships.
His Gundogan a Muslim?
The former Manchester City Captain Iikay Gundogan is a proud Muslim.
The 33-year-old is proud of his Turkish heritage and has expressed his joy in being a source of inspiration and motivation for migrants and Muslims while playing for Germany.
What’s next?
Gundogan will next be seen in action for Barcelona as the Blaugrana will go head-to-head with Real Madrid in an eagerly anticipated Clasico on Saturday, 28th of October.
