MY ACCOUNT
Ilkay Gundogan has revealed the personal torment he feels over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, detailing a close family connection to the war-torn country.
Manchester City and Germany star Gundogan explained in an interview with German magazine Kicker that his brother’s wife is Ukrainian.
Gundogan says he has found himself lost for words over the crisis, which has lasted over a month, and says he would value peace in Ukraine over anything football might bring him.
The 31-year-old is chasing a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble with City, and with Germany he hopes to be pushing for World Cup glory in November and December.
At club level, Gundogan is a team-mate of Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, and he tries to summon the right words to support a player who has been in despair while missiles strike his homeland and Russian tanks enter cities.
“It’s so hard to deal with. We try to support him,” Gundogan said of Zinchenko.
“My brother’s wife is also Ukrainian, therefore the war also affects my family directly. We spoke on the phone the other day, but I couldn’t find the words.
“You offer any help, but there is no template for how to properly deal with this terrible situation.”
Asked whether the prospect of a treble was blighted by concerns over war, Gundogan said: “Definitely. As beautiful as football is and as much joy as it brings us, there is nothing more important than health and peace.”
Gundogan repeated a recent message that he would be keen to stay at City beyond the end of his current contract, which expires next year.
“I’m very happy at Manchester City, football-wise there isn’t a more attractive place at the moment,” he said. “I can imagine staying there beyond 2023. There are no concrete talks, but we have a good relationship. I’m still patient. There’s no hurry.”
Gundogan is on Germany duty at present, with a friendly against Israel coming up on Saturday.
Whether midfielder Gundogan plays on for Hansi Flick’s Germany beyond the World Cup remains to be seen.
He will turn 32 in October and will be nudging towards 34 by the time Germany host the next European Championship in 2024.
“If the mind and body allow it, the European Championship can be a topic,” he said. “I’ll decide after the World Cup.”
