Former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has hit back at reporters after being asked if he was ready for Galatasaray's Champions League clash with former side Barcelona, replying: "I'm not playing – so why should I be ready?"
The German midfielder, now 35, moved to the Turkish giants last summer after re-signing for Manchester City following a season with Barcelona. Despite a promising debut campaign in which he made 38 appearances in all competitions, things have not gone to plan this term.
Limited action this season
Gundogan has been afforded just 11 minutes of action all season and has been named as an unused substitute in the club's last six games. His contract with Galatasaray is set to expire at the end of the season.
His comments come just months after he admitted that his switch to Galatasaray was a boyhood dream. Speaking in February, he said: "I achieved one of my biggest childhood dreams because I grew up watching a certain team, that football club, idolising the players that play for the club, growing up with all the memories connected to the club."
Future plans
Gundogan has also revealed he would be open to returning to another of his former clubs, Nuremberg. "I still have a very close connection to Nuremberg because the club means a lot to me," he told Sky Germany. "I'm very grateful to the club and the city. I can definitely imagine returning one day, in whatever role that may be."
"Whether it's for one or two years as a player, or later as a sporting director or coach, everything is possible," he added.
