£20m Man City star Ilkay Gundogan targeting return next season
Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is targeting a return to first team football next season following a long term injury.
The 26-year-old midfielder suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in December and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Gundogan underwent surgery on his knee and wants to recover in time for a pre-season tour in the summer.
“I am pretty okay. I can now start moving normal again, and getting back to a normal everyday life,” Gundogan told Sport1.
“It wasn’t possible up until one or two weeks ago. The big goal is to return to fitness for the new season. I want to make the best of the time until preseason starts in July to be ready.”
The Germany international has a history of long term injures throughout his career. Gundogan spent approximately a year out of football due to a back injury and dislocated his kneecap last may.
Gundogan revealed that going to his third serious injury has been mentally challenging.
“Maybe that’s because I am going through it for the umpteenth time,” Gundogan stated.
“And I do believe that the previous injuries did something to me and maybe made me more mature. Maybe I can handle injuries better now.
“That was extremely bitter indeed, also because I was in good form the weeks leading up to my injury, and on a very good sporting path. But it is like it is — injuries are a part of football.
“It was extreme for me in the past three years, but I will again return strengthened and will do all I can to stay injury-free.”
The 26-year-old was in impressive form for Man City before suffering a knee injury. The former Dortmund star scored five goals and provided one assist in 17 games for City this season.
Gundogan made the move to Manchester City for £20 million (BBC) last summer.
