Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan reveals why he turned down Liverpool transfer
Ilkay Gundogan won two Bundesliga titles at Borussia Dortmund under the management of current Liverp..
Ilkay Gundogan has admitted he came close to signing for Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool before deciding to move to Manchester City.
Gundogan, who played for Klopp during his time at Borussia Dortmund, was Pep Guardiola’s first signing for City upon his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in 2016.
The Germany international revealed he held talks with Klopp and Liverpool but opted to move to City because of the lure of working with former Barcelona and Bayern boss Guardiola.
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‘I spoke with Jurgen about different things,” Gundogan told the Daily Mail.
‘He always liked me as player and I would be a liar if I said he didn’t try. But when I had the opportunity to join City and work with Pep, it was quite clear that I wanted to come here.
‘When I was a little bit down because of my injury, he was quite sure he was still going to try to buy me. That showed me it could never be the wrong decision to join this club. They are both great managers, great characters and very ambitious. I’ve been lucky.’
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Gundogan has only made 22 appearances for City in a injury-ravaged two years at the club but has remained fit this season as Guardiola’s side march towards an almost inevitable title triumph.
The 27-year-old feels Sunday’s game versus Liverpool at Anfield could be a highlight of the season.
‘It could be a big moment for us,” Gundogan added. ‘Anfield is one of the hardest stages in the world and on good days Liverpool are able to beat any team in the world.
‘It’s more exciting for everyone when you have two top teams who try to attack and try to create chances.
‘I can imagine it’s not attractive for the spectators when we play teams with 10 players around their own box, just defending and hoping for a set-piece or throw-in, anything.
‘We need to be ready to show the same spirit as we did away at Chelsea and Manchester United. We have beaten all the big teams until now and we want to continue on Sunday.’
