And it comes as no surprise that the German international has done such an amazing job in leading the team on the pitch when you hear what those closest to him have to say about his character.
From former coaches to past and present City players, here are some of the best quotes about our departing captain, Ilkay Gundogan.
Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak (June 2023): “Ilkay has been tremendous, absolutely tremendous. To be the captain of this club in this historic Treble lifting the Premier League first and then the FA Cup and then the Champions League, he will go down in the folklore of Manchester City forever.
“The first signing of Pep to Manchester City. I remember him when he came in, always [thinking] he’s a captain, he’s a captain and he’s a representation of this club in terms of hard work, commitment always, humbleness, winning mentality and when you need him, when you need him in the big games, he’s always there.”
Pep Guardiola hailing Gundogan as one of the best players he’s worked with (May 2023): “I remember one season when we won the second Premier League when Fernandinho was injured for a long time and he played a holding midfielder in games like against Burnley away with the long balls, second balls and… wow… what a player.
“I said I had the feeling that without him we couldn’t win the Premier League. He’s so intelligent Gundo, so clever and competitive. Under pressure he handles it without a problem. He’s one of the best players I ever trained in my career in terms of the whole package. He’s top, top class.”
Phil Foden talking about Gundogan’s late winner against Aston Villa which won City the Premier League title (May 2022): “It’s definitely got to be up there with Sergio’s moment! What a guy! He came on and changed the whole game! He always knows where the ball is going to be in and around the box. He’s such a clever player. He was always there in the right place at the right time.”
Kevin De Bruyne analysing Gundogan’s two goals in our 2-1 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final (June 2023): “It’s incredible the way he hits a ball. It went in perfectly. You can’t train on a lot of these things – the ball came in front of him and he smashed it. He’s been incredible [in] the seven years he’s been here anyway, but in the big moments he steps up, he isn’t afraid and he scores great goals.”
Ruben Dias praising Gundogan after FA Cup final win (June 2023): “He’s a magician, a special player. This is my third season with him, so I know him quite well and what he’s capable of – even though he’s always able to surprise me and everyone. He’s just an amazing player and an even better person.”
Jurgen Klopp on the impactful season Gundogan was having for City being no surprise to him after he scored his seventh goal in 16 games (February 2021): “Not at all. The goalscoring maybe a little bit, the rest not. Ilkay was one of the best players I ever coached. He was a very young player when he came to us from Nurnberg to Dortmund. Especially in the 2012 season, he was unbelievable and played pretty much like he is playing now. He was always that player. When you are smart and experience comes into play as well, it’s another jump in your performance level, and I’m not surprised at all.”
City teammate Nathan Ake: “He’s the leader of the team, on the pitch and off it. The way he’s always there in the defining moments. He’s a real captain.”
German head coach Hansi Flick identifying the importance of Gundogan in the national team (June 2023): “Everyone listens to him and he communicates with everyone. That’s very important, both inside and outside the team. With the quality he has, he can play for any team. He’s a very talented player, very intelligent and a great person, which in my opinion, is also very important.”
Former City player Joleon Lescott on Gundogan (Nov 2022): “I can honestly say he’s one of the most intelligent players I’ve seen. The way he plays in all the positions he features in and has an impact is crazy. He’s an exceptional player but he will always be an unsung hero.”
Former City player Paul Dickov talking about Gundogan: “Gundo is underrated by other teams. They forget about him but with his football intelligence, what a player! Technically, he is fantastic. With his football brain, you can see him looking for little gaps.”
Former EDS head coach Simon Davies praises Gundogan during his first competitive start since returning from injury (August 2017): “He’s totally professional. He’s shown all the small things which make up a good professional. From the way he is around the players – he’s one of the first ones there for the team meeting. He’s still got many more gears I’m sure, but everything he did showed our boys what it takes to get in our first team, so that was a great lesson for all of them.”
