Ilkay Gundogan: It is ‘unavoidable’ to win titles at Manchester City | OneFootball

Former Manchester City captain and returning midfield option Ilkay Gundogan has claimed of the ‘unavoidable’ nature of winning trophies at the Etihad Stadium.

Gundogan was Manchester City’s captain during most memorable and successful season in the club’s history, as Pep Guardiola’s side recorded a remarkable Treble triumph at the end of the 2022/23 season by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

Despite the success, Manchester City and Gundogan failed to come to an agreement over a new contract and saw the German midfielder leave the club on a free transfer to La Liga giants FC Barcelona.

Having returned to the club on a free transfer during the recent summer transfer window, some believe that Manchester City have regained a further winning mentality into their first-team squad.

Speaking during a recent conversation with MailSport’s Ian Ladyman, Ilkay Gundogan claimed that by playing for a club like Manchester City and representing the organisation as a whole, the winning of trophies is an ‘unavoidable’ habit.

“When you play for such an institution and club like Man City, I think it’s unavoidable to win trophies,” Gundogan said. “It comes with it. Of course I take these achievements. And it’s nice to have trophies at home and to watch it on TV but still I don’t feel I am that special.”

The German midfielder continued, “I feel I fit in quite nicely to that team, that I contribute but I never take myself too important or too seriously. I try to be normal, to be a good guy, to be humble. Just enjoy the moments and memories that I make with my team-mates.”

Manchester City are aiming for a remarkable fifth successive Premier League title this season, and are expected to face strong competition from Arsenal once again, having faced Mikel Arteta’s side for the first time in the campaign on Sunday afternoon.

However, the club could face an even bigger challenge in their pursuit of another top-flight success this season than just an opposition team, with Rodri expected to be ruled out for several months with a serious knee injury sustained in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.