Manchester City star playmaker Ilkay Gundogan has issued a heartbreaking response to fans booing him during Germany’s final warm-up game ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Gundogan found himself being booed when he was substituted on for Marco Reus and every time he subsequently touched the ball.

The 27-year-old helped Germany to a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Friday evening.

Gundogan has been criticised in Germany after referring to the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan as ‘my president’ after meeting him last month.

See More: Angela Merkel Urges Fans To Stop Booing Arsenal Star & Ilkay Gundogan Ahead Of World Cup

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Following the game, Gundogan was asked by France Football whether he was surprised by the backlash in recent weeks.

“Some reactions touched me, including personal attacks. In recent years we have done a lot to promote integration in Germany,“ he told France Football.

“We do not only have a Turkish side, inherited from our parents and our families. We were born and raised in Gelsenkirchen. It is a city with a high percentage of immigrants. That’s why I was very shocked to hear that we were not integrated and that we did not want to live according to German values.”

“Obviously it’s something. We are used to the whistles of the opposing fans, but when we are booed by his own fans, it’s hard to live with.”

Gundogan played a starring role for Manchester City during their Premier League success this season. The 27-year-old established himself as a first-team regular in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Germany take on Mexico in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup.