Gundogan: ‘I would have played in the World Cup if I was not injured’ [divider]

İlkay Gündoğan believes he would have been in Joachin Low’s starting XI for Germany in the 2014 World Cup.

“If I was not injured I would have played in the World Cup,” Gündoğan said.

“Löw told me he would have played me in his starting XI, we have a great relationship and this is what he had planned.

“I was devastated at not being able to do my bit for the team but we have Euro 2016 coming up.

“I would love to win the World Cup as well.”

Gündoğan has two goals in eight appearances for the German national team.

The Germany international was close to a move to Real Madrid and was also rumoured to be on the verge of a move to United two seasons ago that fell through following an injury which kept the Germany international out of first team football for over 400 days.

The 24-year-old has returned to the Dortmund squad in recent weeks and played a full 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Paderborn on the weekend.