It was the blue of Manchester or the red of Liverpool for German international İlkay Gündoğan heading into the summer transfer market of 2016.
The then Borussia Dortmund midfielder had been courted by former manager Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Pep Guardiola at City, and deliberated offers from both clubs before making a decision on his future.
At this stage, Guardiola had already won three La Liga titles as manager of Barcelona, three Bundesliga titles and two Champions League winners medals.
Once Gündoğan heard the Sky Blues boss was interested, he was seemingly sold on moving to Manchester there and then.
“I spoke with Jurgen about different things,” Gündoğan told the
Daily Mail.
“He always liked me as player and I would be a liar if I said he didn't try. But when I had the opportunity to join City and work with Pep, it was quite clear that I wanted to come here.
“When I was a little bit down because of my injury, he was quite sure he was still going to try to buy me. That showed me it could never be the wrong decision to join this club. They are both great managers, great characters and very ambitious. I've been lucky.”
Despite trouncing Liverpool 5-0 earlier this season, Gündoğan still maintains that Liverpool are capable of beating (and conceding) against any team in the world.
“It could be a big moment for us,” says Gundogan. “Anfield is one of the hardest stages in the world and on good days Liverpool are able to beat any team in the world.
“It's more exciting for everyone when you have two top teams who try to attack and try to create chances.
“I can imagine it's not attractive for the spectators when we play teams with 10 players around their own box, just defending and hoping for a set-piece or throw-in, anything.
“We need to be ready to show the same spirit as we did away at Chelsea and
Manchester United. We have beaten all the big teams until now and we want to continue on Sunday.”
