Ilkay Gundogan’s emotional Man City reunion statement before firing Arsenal title warning

Ilkay Gundogan is one of two Premier League winners from Manchester City to return in Wednesday’s Champions League clash when they visit Galatasaray.

Manchester City icon Ilkay Gundogan showed his true colors ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League reunion.

The former Blues captain revealed he watches as many matches and supports the club despite leaving for Galatasaray – inspiring them to power Arsenal to the Premier League title.

The Germany international can disrupt Pep Guardiola’s quest for glory in Europe’s elite when the two clubs clash in their final group stage match.

City must win and hope the results allow them to move into the top eight and avoid a home-and-away playoff run, while the Turkish giants can still sneak into the automatic qualification places but need results to go their way.

Gundogan left City in September, ending his second spell with the club, after joining Barcelona. The 35-year-old left the club with one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but has joined the Turkish side in their quest for Champions League history, as well as a record 26th Super Lig title.

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Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s showdown, Gundogan said: “I’m still a fan of this football club, this team and this manager.

“I watch as many City games as possible and even if we didn’t play them in this competition it wouldn’t change anything for me because there are so many people I care about here, and obviously I only wish City the best.

Gundogan underlined his commitment to following Guardiola’s side as he shared his thoughts on the Premier League title race, which took a new turn this weekend when Manchester United dented Arsenal’s hopes.

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United had inflicted misery on City eight days earlier when Matheus Cunha scored the winner to give Michael Carrick’s side two wins in as many matches.

And the 35-year-old believes the title race is not a foregone conclusion, with many pundits calling on Mikel Arteta to end Arsenal’s two-decade wait to return to England’s top flight. However, the former City midfielder believes City will regain their Premier League crown.

He said: “I still believe City are capable of beating Arsenal for the Premier League title.

“They managed to close the gap last weekend and we all know that once this City team gains momentum, I think they can go on a long unbeaten run.

“I believe in them, I believe in the manager and the team, and I wish them nothing but the best.”

Wednesday’s Champions League curtain-raiser will also see the return of Leroy Sané to City. The German winger left six years ago to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, where he continued his trophy-winning exploits.

He has since moved to Turkey, after his contract in Bavaria expired last summer, and ahead of Wednesday’s reunion Sane revealed he cherishes the prospect of returning to the north-west of England.

The winger said: “Absolutely. I never really lost contact with some friends at the club.

“I’m looking forward to seeing old friends on Wednesday.”