This summer, the soccer world came with a remarkable news - Gündoğan decided to return to the Manchester City team where he used to play. In an interview with the media, Gündoğan fondly recalled the whole process of deciding to return and shared a heartwarming interaction between him and City manager Pep Guardiola.
Gündoğan confessed that his heart was filled with mixed emotions when he learned of the possibility of his return to Manchester City. Without hesitation, he picked up the phone and dialed Pep Guardiola's number in order to confirm the possibility. "I called him and asked him directly if he could consider the case for my return." Gündogan said, his tone revealing a sense of determination and anticipation. He emphasized that the decision was not a rash one, but one that was made after much deliberation, while also believing that he had nothing to lose personally from the choice.
Gündoğan's face is beaming as he recalls his call with Guardiola. He revealed, "I was a bit nervous at first, but the call was actually very pleasant." The conversation between the two was smooth and natural, as if they had never been apart. Gündoğan exclaimed, "I've always had a good relationship with Guardiola, even in the last year that I played for Barcelona, we kept in touch, communicated over the phone and even had face-to-face meetings." This deep friendship and tacit understanding, undoubtedly paved the way for the return of the road of Jingdaoan.
Gündogan was both surprised and relieved by Guardiola's positive response. "We have a good relationship, there's nothing to hide." He said, "But you can never be sure how he will feel about it. So when he gave me a positive answer, I was really relieved." To add to Gündoğan's surprise, Guardiola even said that the transfer could be completed immediately if it was up to him to make the decision. "At that time I didn't think it would be the case," Gündoğan said with a smile, "His support made me even more determined to return."
