# “Maybe Even Four” – Ilkay Gundogan Maps Out Extended Man City Future With Pep Guardiola Dream Intact
Manchester City’s midfield metronome Ilkay Gundogan has emphatically declared his intention to extend his distinguished career for up to four more seasons, reveling in his renaissance at the Etihad Stadium following a brief Spanish sojourn that ultimately led him back to the club where he cemented his legacy. The 34-year-old German international, who returned to City last summer after a single season at Barcelona, has been rewarded with a contract extension until 2026 after convincing Pep Guardiola of his continued value through consistently exemplary performances during what has been acknowledged as a turbulent campaign for the Premier League champions.
In a wide-ranging interview with German publication BILD, Gundogan spoke candidly about his future ambitions and his deep-rooted connection to Manchester City, making clear that his current contract is merely a milestone rather than an endpoint in his illustrious career.
“I have one year left on my contract, and I’m happy about that. Not just because I’m getting older, where every year is a long way off. But also because I absolutely love being at City,” Gundogan explained with characteristic thoughtfulness. “Honestly, I want to play football for several more years: because I feel absolutely ready for it, I’m very fit, and I take care of my body. I feel like I really enjoy football: not just another year, but at least two years, maybe even three or four.”
These revelations will undoubtedly resonate with the City faithful who have witnessed Gundogan’s pivotal role in the club’s remarkable period of domestic dominance. After initially departing as the captain who guided City to an historic Treble in 2022/23, his return has added an element of continuity and championship pedigree to a squad undergoing subtle but significant evolution.
“Having returned to the club last summer, I am not planning on leaving again,” Gundogan asserted with unmistakable conviction, effectively silencing speculation about another departure when his current deal expires next year.
Gundogan’s second chapter at City hasn’t been without its challenges. The team endured an uncharacteristically difficult period between November and March, during which their customary fluency and dominance appeared to desert them. This barren spell saw them eliminated from the Carabao Cup earlier than expected and temporarily lose ground in the Premier League title race.
During this testing period, Gundogan’s performances, like those of many of his teammates, came under increased scrutiny. The midfielder, however, remained a near-constant presence in Guardiola’s selections, underlining the manager’s unwavering faith in his abilities even when results weren’t forthcoming.
“There were moments this season when things weren’t flowing as we’re accustomed to,” admits former City defender Micah Richards, now a respected pundit. “But Ilkay was one of the players Pep continued to rely on, even when form dipped. That speaks volumes about his importance to the team’s structure and the respect he commands within the dressing room.”
This trust has been vindicated in recent weeks as both Gundogan and City have experienced a significant upturn in form. The midfielder’s ability to dictate tempo, find space between opposition lines, and arrive with perfect timing in the penalty area has become increasingly evident as the business end of the season approaches.
“People sometimes forget that even the best teams go through difficult patches,” explains former City captain Vincent Kompany. “What separates the truly great sides is having players who can weather those storms and emerge stronger. Ilkay is exactly that type of character – unflappable, professional, and always ready to take responsibility when it matters most.”
Gundogan’s journey back to Manchester represents one of football’s more unexpected career trajectories. Having departed City as a Treble-winning captain in 2023, his move to Barcelona appeared to signal the beginning of the final chapter of his playing days.
Financial constraints at the Catalan giants, coupled with an uncertain managerial situation, created an environment that ultimately proved less conducive to Gundogan’s playing style than the well-established structure at City. Though he performed admirably during his brief spell in Spain, registering five goals and 14 assists across all competitions, the opportunity to return to familiar surroundings under Guardiola’s guidance proved irresistible.
“I think Ilkay realized that what he had at City was special,” suggests Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. “The system at Barcelona was in flux, whereas at City, there’s a clear philosophy and a manager who knows exactly how to utilize his specific qualities. Sometimes you need to leave something behind to truly appreciate its value.”
The midfielder’s return has provided City with a sense of continuity during a period of transition. Following the departures of stalwarts like Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, and later Kevin De Bruyne, Gundogan’s familiar presence has helped maintain the team’s identity while new signings adapt to Guardiola’s demanding tactical approach.
Perhaps most impressive about Gundogan’s continued excellence is how he has defied the conventional wisdom regarding a footballer’s physical decline beyond the age of 30. At 34, he has featured in more matches this season than almost any other outfield player in City’s squad – a remarkable achievement that speaks to his meticulous approach to conditioning and recovery.
“My body’s still cooperating, and Pep isn’t saying to me, ‘Hey, you’re falling off the playing field…'” Gundogan noted with characteristic humility, alluding to the physical demands of Guardiola’s system and his own ability to meet them consistently.
City’s state-of-the-art training facilities and cutting-edge sports science department have undoubtedly contributed to Gundogan’s longevity, but sources close to the player highlight his own disciplined approach to nutrition, recovery, and injury prevention as equally significant factors.
“Ilkay is one of the most professional athletes I’ve ever worked with,” reveals a member of City’s performance team, speaking on condition of anonymity. “His attention to detail regarding his diet, sleep patterns, and recovery protocols is exceptional. He’s constantly seeking marginal gains that might extend his career, and that mindset is now bearing fruit.”
This dedication has become increasingly important as Gundogan adapts his game to accommodate the inevitable changes that come with age. While perhaps lacking the explosive acceleration of his younger days, he has compensated with enhanced positional awareness and tactical intelligence, enabling him to remain one step ahead of opponents mentally rather than physically.
“The truly great players evolve as they age,” observes former Germany international and World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger. “Ilkay has always been intelligent, but now he’s playing with a wisdom that comes from experience. He doesn’t need to cover every blade of grass anymore because he knows exactly where to be at any given moment.”
Central to Gundogan’s City renaissance and his aspirations for an extended career is his relationship with Pep Guardiola. The significance of this connection cannot be overstated – Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing at City in 2016, and the manager has repeatedly expressed his admiration for the midfielder’s tactical understanding and adaptability.
“Pep sees in Ilkay a player who comprehends football exactly as he does,” explains Guardiola’s biographer Martí Perarnau. “There’s an almost telepathic understanding between them. When Pep wants to implement a tactical adjustment during a game, Ilkay is often the first player to grasp it and execute it perfectly.”
This symbiotic relationship extends beyond tactical matters. Guardiola has always valued players who exhibit professionalism and leadership qualities that influence the broader squad culture. In Gundogan, he has found a standard-bearer for these values – someone whose dedication and work ethic serve as an example to younger players.
“Ilkay never needs to be loud or demonstrative to lead,” notes teammate John Stones. “He leads through his actions, his consistency, and his calm presence in difficult moments. For the younger players especially, having someone like him in the dressing room is invaluable.”
The intertwining futures of Guardiola and Gundogan at City represent an intriguing subplot in the midfielder’s ambitions for extended longevity. The manager’s current contract, like Gundogan’s, expires in 2026, and speculation abounds regarding whether he will extend his unprecedented tenure at the Etihad.
“If Pep stays beyond 2026, I believe Ilkay would absolutely want to continue the journey with him,” suggests former City midfielder Dietmar Hamann. “Their football philosophies are perfectly aligned, and Ilkay knows that under Pep, he will always have a role that maximizes his strengths.”
While Gundogan’s immediate focus remains firmly on extending his playing career, he acknowledged in his BILD interview that he has begun contemplating his eventual transition to life after retirement.
“I’m already thinking about what comes next. I’m not afraid of those thoughts, though; I’m more excited,” he revealed, displaying characteristic thoughtfulness about his long-term future.
Given his deep understanding of Guardiola’s football philosophy and his intelligent, analytical approach to the game, speculation inevitably turns to the possibility of Gundogan following a coaching pathway. The midfielder has occasionally been observed in animated tactical discussions with Guardiola during matches, suggesting an engagement with the strategic aspects of the game that transcends his immediate playing responsibilities.
“When you look at his career trajectory, the managers he’s worked under, and his obvious football intelligence, Ilkay has all the prerequisites for an excellent coach,” observes former Germany manager Joachim Löw. “He’s learned from Klopp, Tuchel, and most significantly Guardiola – that’s an incredible education in different football philosophies.”
Gundogan himself has been characteristically measured when discussing potential coaching aspirations, neither embracing nor dismissing the possibility. This calculated approach aligns with his general demeanor – thoughtful, deliberate, and focused on the present while maintaining awareness of future possibilities.
“I’ve always believed that top players don’t necessarily make top coaches,” cautions former City manager Roberto Mancini. “But Ilkay has the temperament and the tactical understanding to buck that trend if he chooses that path. He sees the game differently from most players – he sees patterns and solutions that others miss.”
The fact that Gundogan is contemplating several more years at football’s elite level represents a remarkable testament to his resilience and determination. His career has been punctuated by significant setbacks that might have derailed less mentally robust individuals.
A severe back injury early in his career threatened not just his football prospects but his basic mobility. Later, after becoming Guardiola’s first Manchester City signing in 2016, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for much of his debut season in England.
“There were dark moments during those injury periods where you naturally question whether you’ll ever return to your best,” Gundogan admitted in a previous interview. “But I’ve always tried to maintain perspective and focus on incremental progress rather than becoming overwhelmed by the bigger picture.”
This resilience has characterized his entire career. From his emergence at Nuremberg to his development under Jürgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, through his transformative years with Guardiola at City, Gundogan has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and evolve in response to challenges.
Perhaps the most vivid illustration of this quality came during City’s 2022/23 Treble-winning season. Having been appointed club captain following Fernandinho’s departure, Gundogan shouldered increased responsibility both on and off the pitch. His response was emphatic – delivering crucial goals in the season’s defining moments, including a memorable double against Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League campaign and the fastest goal in FA Cup final history against Manchester United.
“Those moments don’t happen by accident,” insists former teammate Bernardo Silva. “Ilkay has this incredible ability to remain calm under immense pressure. He’s not the most vocal, but when the situation demands leadership, he delivers through his actions.”
As Gundogan contemplates extending his career beyond conventional expectations, questions naturally arise about how his legacy at Manchester City will ultimately be defined. Already firmly established among the club’s modern greats, each additional season offers an opportunity to further cement his place in City folklore.
“When people think of this extraordinary era for Manchester City, certain names immediately come to mind – Kompany, Silva, Agüero, De Bruyne,” notes City historian Gary James. “Gundogan absolutely belongs in that conversation. His contribution to the club’s success has been immense, and what makes him unique is that he’s now creating a second chapter to his City story.”
This second chapter carries its own narrative weight. Having returned after a brief departure, Gundogan has demonstrated a commitment to the club that resonates deeply with supporters. In an era where player loyalty is increasingly rare, his decision to return to City rather than pursue alternative opportunities speaks volumes about his attachment to the institution.
“I think fans appreciate that he chose to come back,” observes City supporters’ club representative Kevin Parker. “He could have stayed at Barcelona or moved elsewhere, but he wanted to return to City. That means something to people who love this club.”
For Gundogan himself, legacy considerations appear secondary to his immediate ambitions. Throughout his career, he has maintained a present-focused approach, concentrating on incremental improvement rather than historical narrative. This mindset has served him well through challenging periods and continues to inform his approach as he navigates the latter stages of his playing days.
As City approach the final months of a season that has presented unprecedented challenges, Gundogan’s experience and composure have become increasingly valuable assets. The team’s recent resurgence has coincided with improved performances from their midfield orchestrator, suggesting that his influence remains as significant as ever.
“What I’ve noticed in recent weeks is that Ilkay is playing with renewed freedom,” observes former City midfielder Michael Brown. “Earlier in the season, there was perhaps a tentativeness to his game, as though he was still adapting to being back in the Premier League. Now, he looks completely comfortable again – dictating play, finding space, and arriving in dangerous areas with that perfect timing we’ve come to expect.”
This evolution mirrors City’s own trajectory this season – initial struggles giving way to growing fluency and confidence as crucial fixtures approach. With Gundogan at the heart of this renaissance, there’s a sense that both player and team are hitting their stride at the perfect moment.
“Having him back has been invaluable during this transitional period,” acknowledges City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. “Ilkay embodies everything we value at this club – professionalism, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His return has provided continuity during a time of significant change.”
As Gundogan eyes potentially three or four more years at the elite level, his immediate focus remains on contributing to City’s push for honors this season. Beyond that, his vision of continued excellence at the Etihad aligns perfectly with the club’s own aspirations for sustained success under Guardiola’s guidance.
“I still feel I have so much to give,” Gundogan affirms with characteristic modesty. “And there’s no place I’d rather do that than here at City, where I’ve experienced the most significant moments of my career and formed connections that go beyond football.”
For City supporters, the prospect of several more years of Gundogan’s midfield mastery is a tantalizing one. Having witnessed his crucial contributions to the club’s most successful era, they now eagerly anticipate what his extended second chapter might bring.
“Maybe even four more years,” as Gundogan himself suggests, would take him close to his 39th birthday – a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone one operating at the highest level of European football. Based on his current form and evident determination, few would bet against him achieving this ambitious goal
