He is a top player and hopefully he can stay with us.”
Pep Guardiola is hopeful that Ilkay Gundogan will sign a new contract with Manchester City, as the postscript to a historic season for the club. The 32-year-old midfielder, whose current deal expires this summer, scored two goals in City’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Guardiola, who has been living in the same Manchester city centre apartment block as Gundogan for many years, has built a close friendship with the German and has made no secret of his desire for him to stay. The pair have now shared in 11 trophy triumphs, and Gundogan’s influence is growing on and off the pitch after he was voted new club captain by his team-mates following Fernandinho’s exit last summer. He scored two of the three goals that completed the title-winning comeback against Aston Villa on the final day of last season, and he is now the fastest ever scorer in FA Cup final history, thanks to his 13-second thunderbolt against Manchester United. Guardiola said: “We are neighbours. We live in the same floor for many years so he is a close friend of mine. He plays exceptionally well. I don’t forget him scoring those goals against Aston Villa. He is a top player and hopefully he can stay with us.” Football director Txiki Begiristain is currently working on Gundogan’s contract, and Guardiola hopes he will be successful. Next Saturday’s Champions League final against Inter Milan could be Gundogan’s final City appearance.