MANCHESTER CITY star Ilkay Gundogan has responded to rumours linking him with a move back to Nuremberg.
The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and he could consider returning to the club he made his senior debut at, according to reports.
With Gundogan’s future unclear Nuremberg chief Dieter Hecking publicly asked for him to rejoin after 12 years away from the side.
And now the midfielder has answered those wishes telling a Bild podcast: “It will still be a bit difficult next year, but I can definitely imagine returning to FC Nuremberg one day – in whatever capacity.
“I associate the club and the city with incredibly great people and moments.”
Nuremberg are now in the German second division and with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Galatasaray interested in him perhaps he isn’t ready to make the step down just yet.
The Bavarian based club have not been in the Bundesliga for eight years with Gundogan playing for them between 2009-2011 making 53 appearances scoring eight goals.
His outstanding form back then as a youngster earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund and subsequently Man City.
Since moving to the England he has won four Premier League titles and one FA Cup while also becoming captain of Pep Guardiola’s team.
But his deal at the Etihad is expiring and a move away is reportedly on the cards.
PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
Speculation suggests he will not decide on his future until he knows whether Guardiola is staying at City or not.
Gundogan and his wife Sara Arfaoui are expecting a baby and his partner recently hit out at Manchester slamming the city for not having any good restaurants.
Gundogan is set to feature in the World Cup for Germany as they take on Spain, Japan and Costa Rica.
