After twice finishing as a runner-up, İlkay Gündoğan finally secured the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023, leading Manchester City as captain. This achievement came after a long-awaited transition to Galatasaray during the summer, where the seasoned midfielder is now playing a pivotal role even at 35 years of age.
In an interview with UEFA prior to the critical knockout phase play-off against Juventus, Gündoğan expressed his deep connection to Galatasaray, reflecting on the significance of lifting the Champions League trophy in Istanbul and discussing the potential contributions he can make as the team seeks to advance in this prestigious tournament.
Gündoğan described his move to Galatasaray as fulfilling a childhood dream, reminiscing about the memories he created as a youth watching the club and idolizing its players. He spoke about the surreal experience of wearing the Galatasaray jersey and competing in front of passionate fans within the esteemed setting of the Champions League, feelings he once thought were out of reach.
Revisiting his Champions League journey, Gündoğan recalled the thrill of his first match with Borussia Dortmund in the 2011/12 season and the awe he felt watching elite players compete on a global stage. Despite enduring setbacks in the finals of 2013 and 2021, his 2023 victory with Manchester City was particularly poignant, as it marked not only a personal triumph but also a narrative culmination in Istanbul.
Now at Galatasaray, Gündoğan aims to leverage his extensive experience to inspire his teammates, emphasizing the importance of cohesive teamwork in the Champions League. He acknowledged the remarkable strength of the competitors in this elite tournament, necessitating unity and strategic play to achieve success.
Addressing the upcoming match against Juventus, Gündoğan highlighted the positive emotions from facing his former side, Manchester City, and the lessons learned that could aid Galatasaray in their next encounter. He acknowledged Juventus as a formidable opponent yet expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a favorable outcome, outlining that a strong performance would enhance their chances for progression.
Through perseverance and leadership, Gündoğan’s contributions to Galatasaray could potentially guide the club to new heights, fostering hope among fans as they embark on this thrilling Champions League campaign.