- Gundogan sends message to Guardiola
- Heaps praise on manager’s human side
- Looks ahead to this Sunday’s match
Ilkay Gundogan has delivered a touching message to Pep Guardiola, describing what the manager was like on and off the pitch during his Manchester City days.
Shortly after Pep Guardiola arrived at Man City, he completed his first signing. That of course was Ilkay Gundogan, who cost the club £20m.
The midfielder was worth every penny, as despite missing much of his first season through injury, he became a key part of a very successful team.
Gundogan lifted a lot of trophies, winning five Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a number of other competitions.
And Guardiola made such an impression on the ex-Germany international, that he decided to return to the club last season after a brief spell at Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan sends message to Pep Guardiola
Posting on his X account, Gundogan has praised Guardiola not just for his managerial genius, but for who he is as a person.
While Guardiola was the 35 year old’s boss professionally speaking, Gundogan has revealed that he sees him as his friend.
Pep – what can I say? Where do I start? ✍️🩵
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) May 23, 2026
It’s difficult to truly describe the impact Pep has had – not only on Manchester City as a football club, but on everything around it as well. The trophies and achievements speak for themselves. But what made him special was always… pic.twitter.com/uhiZZOBMKA
“Pep – what can I say? Where do I start?
“It’s difficult to truly describe the impact Pep has had – not only on Manchester City as a football club, but on everything around it as well,” Gundogan wrote.
“The trophies and achievements speak for themselves. But what made him special was always much bigger than winning.
“For me personally, he was never just a manager. He was a mentor, a leader and also a friend.
“From the very first day we worked together, he challenged me to see football differently. Every detail mattered. Every meter on the pitch had a purpose.
“There were moments when his intensity pushed all of us to our limits mentally and physically – but looking back, that obsession with perfection is exactly what made his teams so extraordinary.
“What many people don’t see from the outside is the human side of Pep. Beyond football, he is incredibly humble, thoughtful and someone who genuinely cares about the people around him,” Gundogan continued.
“Over the years, I was lucky enough to experience that side of him very closely. He made me a better player, but also a better person.
“When I look back on my career one day, my time working with Pep will always be one of the defining chapters of my journey.
“Man City without Pep will never be the same again. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, my family, the football club, the community and Manchester as a whole.”
He added: “Looking forward to seeing you at the game [against Aston Villa] on Sunday!”
Gundogan is still making an impact
Even after departing Man City for a second time, Gundogan is continuing to play at the highest level of European football.
He made eight appearances in the Champions League this season, as Galatasaray reached the last 16 stage.
In fact, Gundogan even wore the captain’s armband at the Etihad Stadium in January, during a match which City won 2-0.
But despite having a busy season in Turkey, he will once again return to the home of the Sky Blues. Only this time, it is to watch his former manager bid the club farewell.
City need a win to mark Sunday’s special occasion
Plenty of former Man City players will be turning out to watch Guardiola’s final match in charge, and it will be in front of a record crowd.
The newly expanded North Stand is finally ready to be at full capacity, and better still, City have just announced plans to rename the structure in Guardiola’s honour.
It is going to be a day to remember, and a victory for Man City would be a nice way to conclude it, even if it does not affect the Premier League table.
